Opposition leaders bypass locked gates to hold conference at Islamabad hotel

Islamabad’s Legend Hotel closed its gates on Thursday to block opposition leaders from convening a two-day Grand Alliance conference on the country’s ongoing political challenges.

The first session of the conference was held on Wednesday, after which opposition parties accused the government of pressuring the hotel administration to deny them permission.

However, some leaders of the opposition alliance, Tehreek Tahafuz Ayeen-e-Pakistan (TTAP), climbed over the closed gates and forced the administration to open the hotel for the already scheduled event.

According to sources, the Secretariat Police recorded a statement from the hotel manager regarding the incident. The hotel manager reportedly said, "All these individuals entered the hotel premises without our permission. The political leaders have occupied the hall."

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Sources further revealed that after recording the statement and compiling a report, the police left the premises. A case is likely to be registered against the leadership of the opposition's Grand Alliance.

The Tehreek Tahafuz Ayeen-e-Pakistan (TTAP) was formed following the breakdown of negotiations between PTI founder Imran Khan and the government in January. The alliance also includes former prime minister and ex-PML-N leader Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, who was assigned to lead it on February 6.

Addressing a press conference on Wednesday after the first session of the conference, Abbasi claimed that the hotel administration had informed the alliance about threats from intelligence agencies against allowing the event to continue. He further alleged that the administration was intimidated with hefty fines and possible arrests.

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Abbasi emphasised that the Legend Hotel is associated with the Supreme Court and is frequently used by lawyers and the legal fraternity. He clarified that no discussions regarding incitement took place during the first day of the closed-door conference.

"We all share the belief that unless Pakistan adheres to the constitution and the rule of law prevails, the country cannot move forward. Without constitutional supremacy, chaos will persist," Abbasi stated.

He lamented that raising constitutional concerns unsettles those in power, adding, "It is unfortunate that the PML-N and PPP, once champions of democracy, are now focused solely on power."

Abbasi further criticised the government's suppression of political discourse, stating, "The government is so fearful that even a conference about the constitution is not allowed in this country. Unfortunately, free speech is being curtailed."

He strongly criticised recent constitutional amendments, claiming, "A constitutional amendment was passed in the dead of night, violating the spirit of the constitution."

Referring to the Chief Justice, he remarked, "Today, we have a Chief Justice who cannot form a constitutional bench, has no say in judicial appointments, and cannot hear constitutional matters. He lacks suo motu power. The world is witnessing the murder of democracy in Pakistan."