Opposition Ready for Talks with Government, Demands Fresh and Transparent Elections

Islamabad (Qudrat Daily): The opposition alliance, Tehreek Tahaffuz Aain Pakistan, has demanded fresh, free, and transparent elections in the country, while also declaring its readiness to hold negotiations with the government. The demands were outlined in a joint communiqué issued after a two-day National Consultative Conference organized by the alliance.

According to the communiqué, democracy is founded on transparent elections, and to restore public confidence in the transfer of power, the alliance called for the appointment of a new Chief Election Commissioner and the conduct of fresh, credible elections. The opposition also demanded a thorough investigation into alleged rigging in the February 8, 2024 general elections.

The conference strongly condemned attacks on the judiciary and denounced the 26th and 27th constitutional amendments. The participants expressed solidarity with Justice Tariq Mehmood Jahangiri, Justice Athar Minallah, Justice Mansoor Ali Shah, and other judges. The communiqué also strongly criticized 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 Imran Khan, his wife, Dr. Yasmin Rashid, and all other political prisoners. It also called for the removal of restrictions on meetings with Imran Khan and his spouse.

Terming the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) a “black law,” the opposition demanded its repeal and condemned what it described as harassment of journalists and activists, including Dawn News, Matiullah Jan, Iman Mazari, and Hadi Chatha. The alliance alleged that media freedom is being curtailed through false cases and intimidation and demanded the withdrawal of such cases.

The communiqué further called for clarity and transparency regarding reports about the possible deployment of Pakistan Army personnel to Gaza, urging the government to take all stakeholders into confidence. The conference also demanded measures to control rising inflation, reduce taxes on the public, and condemned enforced disappearances, calling for the release of Mahrang Baloch and others.

Additional demands included the implementation of the consensus framework of the peace jirga held in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, lifting restrictions on PTI, improving relations with Afghanistan through dialogue, and ensuring Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s rightful share under the NFC Award. The opposition stressed that provincial mineral resources cannot be allocated without the consent of the people of the province.

The alliance announced that February 8 will be observed as a “Black Day” at the international level and said a central committee has been formed to mobilize the public. It added that instructions for a street movement have also been received from the PTI founder, and consultative conferences will be organized at provincial headquarters.

The opposition also demanded the lifting of the ban on student unions and reiterated that it remains ready for dialogue with the government to resolve the country’s political and constitutional crises.