ISLAMABAD: The opposition alliance Tehreek-e-Tahafuz Ain Pakistan has demanded fresh, clean and transparent elections in the country, calling for a thorough investigation into alleged rigging in the February 8, 2024 general elections, while making it clear that the opposition is ready for dialogue with the government.
This demand was made in a declaration issued at the conclusion of a two-day national consultative conference organized by the alliance. The declaration stated that the foundation of democracy rests on transparent elections and stressed that public trust in the electoral process could only be restored through credible reforms.
The conference demanded the appointment of a new Chief Election Commissioner and the holding of fresh, transparent elections. It also called for an impartial investigation into alleged rigging during the February 2024 polls and strongly condemned what it termed attacks on the judiciary as well as the 26th and 27th constitutional amendments.
Expressing solidarity with members of the judiciary, the declaration named Justice Tariq Mehmood Jahangiri, Justice Athar Minallah and Justice Mansoor Ali Shah, while also condemning the alleged mistreatment of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan, his wife, sisters and other political leaders.
The opposition alliance demanded the immediate release of all political prisoners, including Imran Khan, his wife and Dr Yasmin Rashid, and called for lifting restrictions on meetings with the PTI founder and his spouse.
Terming the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) a “black law,” the conference demanded its repeal and condemned what it described as media suppression. The declaration cited cases against journalists and activists, including Dawn News, Matiullah Jan, Iman Mazari and Hadi Chhata, and demanded an end to what it called false cases.
The conference also demanded clarity over reports regarding the possible deployment of Pakistani troops to Gaza, insisting that all stakeholders be taken into confidence. It called for urgent measures to control rising inflation, reduce taxes on the public and end enforced disappearances, while demanding the release of activist Mahrang Baloch and others.
On regional and security matters, the opposition urged the government to implement decisions of the peace jirga held in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and demanded the lifting of the ban on PTI. It also called for negotiations to address the deteriorating situation with Afghanistan.
On provincial issues, the alliance demanded that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa be given its due share under the National Finance Commission (NFC) award and insisted that mineral resources could not be allocated without the consent of the people of the province.
The declaration further announced that February 8 would be observed as an “international black day” to protest alleged electoral rigging. A central committee has been formed to mobilize the public, while consultative conferences will be held in provincial capitals. The statement added that instructions for a street movement had also been received from the PTI founder.
The opposition alliance reaffirmed that despite its strong stance, it remains open to negotiations to resolve the political crisis and restore constitutional order in the country.
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