Pakistan opposition alliance calls for fresh elections, judicial independence

A coalition of political parties, lawyers and civil society groups in Pakistan has demanded fresh, transparent elections, the restoration of judicial independence and the release of political detainees, according to a declaration issued at the end of a two-day national consultative conference on Sunday.

The alliance operates under the banner of Tehreek Tahaffuz-e-Aain Pakistan, or the Movement for the Protection of Pakistan’s Constitution.

In its declaration, the forum said democracy in Pakistan rests on credible elections and argued that public trust had been eroded by what it described as widespread rigging in the Feb. 8, 2024 polls.

It called for the immediate appointment of a “neutral” chief election commissioner, the formation of a new election commission and an independent investigation into alleged manipulation during the vote, with punishment for those found responsible.

The declaration sharply criticized recent constitutional amendments affecting the judiciary, saying they had undermined judicial independence through the transfer and pressure on judges.

The forum expressed solidarity with Islamabad High Court judge Tariq Jahangiri and condemned actions taken against him. It called for the restoration of the judiciary in line with the original 1973 constitution.

The movement also condemned convictions and cases against former Prime Minister Imran Khan, his wife Bushra Bibi and senior leaders of Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party.

It described the cases as politically motivated and demanded the release of all “political prisoners,” including several opposition figures.

The declaration urged authorities to lift restrictions on meetings with Khan and criticized the treatment of his sisters during protests, citing alleged use of force by police.

On media freedoms, the forum called for the repeal of Pakistan’s cybercrime law, known as the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act, or PECA.

It said the law was being used to silence dissent and criticized what it described as economic pressure on independent media outlets.

The declaration also condemned criminal cases against journalists and human rights activists, naming journalist Matiullah Jan and rights lawyer Imaan Mazari.

On foreign and security issues, the forum raised concerns over reports about Pakistan’s possible involvement in a Gaza-related security force.

It said the matter lacked transparency and insisted that any such decision must involve parliamentary approval and public consultation.

Turning to the economy, the declaration linked economic instability to political turmoil.

It cited international estimates that more than 40% of Pakistan’s population lives below the poverty line and accused the government of failing to address inflation, unemployment and poverty.

The movement demanded immediate relief measures, including the rollback of what it called “oppressive” taxes on farmers, businesses and salaried workers.

The declaration also condemned enforced disappearances and the placement of political activists on security watchlists, particularly in Sindh and Balochistan.

It demanded the release of Baloch activists, including Mahrang Baloch.

The forum expressed alarm over rising militant violence in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and urged the federal government to implement the demands of a provincial jirga.

It also called on authorities to release outstanding funds to the province.

On foreign policy, the declaration urged dialogue to repair strained relations with Afghanistan and to restore cross-border trade.

It opposed international mining agreements made without provincial consent, citing the 18th constitutional amendment, which grants provinces ownership of mineral resources.

The forum also demanded the immediate restoration of student unions across the country.

The conference concluded that Pakistan urgently needs a new “charter of democracy” achieved through dialogue among political forces.

As part of its action plan, the movement announced nationwide protests, including a shutter-down strike and wheel-jam demonstrations on Feb. 8, 2026.

The date will mark two years since the 2024 general election.

The declaration said a central committee had been formed to organize protests and to convene further consultative conferences in all provincial capitals.