An alliance of opposition parties in Pakistan called for new national elections Thursday, accusing Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s government of suppressing political rivals, curtailing dissent and violating human rights.
The Tehreek-i-Tahaffuz-i-Ayeen-i-Pakistan, or the Movement to Safeguard the Constitution, concluded a two-day conference in Islamabad by demanding the release of all political prisoners and rejecting the outcome of parliamentary elections held last year.
“The results of the rigged February 8, 2024, elections bear direct responsibility for the country’s prevailing political, economic, and social crisis,” the declaration stated.
It asserted that Pakistan’s parliament lacked “moral, political, or legal standing” because it stemmed from a manipulated vote, and “the only way to resolve the current political crisis is through free, fair, and transparent elections.”
Sharif’s government, believed to be backed by the powerful military, rejects opposition allegations, claiming they are aimed at hindering efforts it is making to reform and stabilize the economy.
Leaders from imprisoned former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party, journalists and civil society representatives were also among the attendees of Thursday’s conference.
The conference occurred a day after U.S. Republican Representative Joe Wilson announced on X that he was “nearly finished drafting” a bill seeking “to restore democracy in Pakistan.”
US concerns
Wilson wrote that his proposed bill “mandates a 30-day determination of sanctions” on Pakistan’s military chief, General Asim Munir, and “reviews all generals & gov[ernment] officials & their families for sanctions.” He did not provide further details.