Pakistan’s opposition unites, demands fresh polls

The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), the main opposition party, is leading efforts to form a grand alliance of opposition parties. A day earlier, leaders from six political groups attended a meeting at party leader Asad Qaiser's home.

The move comes as the PTI announced plans to observe a “black day” on February 8 to protest what it described as widespread rigging in the 2024 elections. As part of its campaign against election results, the former ruling party has scheduled protests across the country.

However, the government has cautioned the PTI against holding any demonstrations. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi said the government would urge the opposition party to cancel them.

“If the PTI doesn’t heed our request, as they did on November 26, we will respond accordingly, and the state will take action,” Naqvi warned.

The opposition parties agreed to work together, reject the February 8 election results, and demand fresh polls under a “neutral” Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP).

The meeting was hosted by PTI leader and former National Assembly Speaker Asad Qaiser at his residence. Attendees included Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman, Awam Pakistan convener Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, Pakhtunkhwa Milli Awami Party (PkMAP) leader Mahmood Khan Achakzai, Majlis Wahdat-e-Muslimeen (MWM) chief Allama Nasir Abbas, and Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC) leader Sahibzada Hamid Raza.

Senior PTI leaders, including Opposition Leader in the National Assembly Omar Ayub, Chairman of the Public Accounts Committee Junaid Akbar, Senator Shibli Faraz, and Tehreek-e-Tahafuz Ain-e-Pakistan spokesperson Akhawanzada Hussain Yousafzai, were also present.

Calls for govt’s resignation

In a joint statement, the parties declared the current government "unrepresentative" of the people and alleged that it was imposed through a fraudulent electoral process. They demanded the immediate resignation of the government and fresh elections under a reformed ECP.

“The only way out of serious problems such as political and economic instability, social unrest, and terrorism is through fresh elections,” the statement read.

JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman, addressing the media after the meeting, reiterated that the opposition rejects the February 8 polls.

“All parties are of the view that the election of February 8, 2024, was rigged. This mandate is not the people’s mandate, and this government has no right to remain in power,” Rehman said. “If the Election Commission is truly free and independent, it should resign.”

Shahid Khaqan Abbasi echoed these concerns, saying, “The current government has been forcibly imposed on the people. New elections are the only solution to get the country out of financial terrorism and other crises.”

The meeting also decided to launch a nationwide anti-government movement, with a major opposition rally planned for February 8. The parties pledged to continue consultations on their strategy, with further meetings expected in the coming weeks.

PECA condemned

Opposition leaders also strongly condemned the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA), calling it a tool for suppressing free speech. They demanded the immediate withdrawal of the law and the release of all political prisoners.

“The government is using black laws like PECA to silence dissent. This must stop,” Abbasi said.

The meeting also discussed ongoing security concerns in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, particularly the rise in terrorist incidents. A sub-committee was formed to draft an action plan addressing these issues, with final recommendations expected soon.

The opposition parties agreed in principle to form a grand political alliance. While no official announcement has been made, sources suggest that a formal declaration could come within days.