Democracy, basic freedoms ‘under siege': opposition APC
The two-day All Parties Conference (APC), held under the banner of Tehreek-e-Tahaffuz-e-Ayin-e-Pakistan (TTAP), wrapped up with a blistering declaration torching the ruling regime and its powerful 'handlers' for ramping up political crackdowns, targeting dissenters, and gutting the country's constitutional rights.
At a no-holds-barred press conference flanked by fellow opposition heavyweights, TTAP's Mustafa Nawaz Khokhar tore into the PML-N-led coalition, accusing it – and its military muscle – of choking political dissent and bulldozing the opposition's constitutional right to peaceful protest.
Khokhar sounded the alarm on the country's crumbling economy, warning that nearly 45 per cent of Pakistanis are now living below the poverty line, with jobless rates skyrocketing to a staggering 20 per cent – and democracy, he said, is gasping for air.
'The business class is packing up and fleeing the country,' Khokhar warned, 'pushed out by chaos, corruption, and collapsing confidence.'
Reading from the APC's fiery declaration, Khokhar called for the immediate release of PTI founder Imran Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi – demanding their cases be fast-tracked in the Islamabad High Court without 'any more political games.'
The statement tore into what it called a 'surge of fascism and political revenge,' blasting recent parliamentary moves as a blatant witch hunt to crush the opposition – a clear shot at the recent convictions of the opposition Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf's (PTI) lawmakers in both National Assembly and Senate over the May 9 chaos.
The teething democracy of the country is in tatters, and its human rights record is a wreck,' the declaration warned, calling for sweeping reforms before it's too late.
Among its key recommendations, the APC called for the establishment of a Truth and Reconciliation Commission, robust safeguards for media freedom, and the institutionalization of women's rights and education within future political frameworks.
The APC further urged the federal government to devolve powers to the provinces, repeal the controversial 26th Constitutional Amendment, and institute transparent mechanisms for judicial appointments.
The participants of the moot hailed six Islamabad High Court (IHC) judges who dared to speak out against institutional meddling – branding them 'national heroes' for standing their ground.
Rejecting the legitimacy of the 2024 general elections, the APC demanded an empowered, independent Election Commission endowed with the authority to conduct free and fair polls.
On regional and human rights issues, the moot affirmed that the natural resources of Balochistan belong to its people and called for the immediate judicial production of all missing persons.
It also pressed for civilian oversight over law enforcement agencies and advocated lifting restrictions on pilgrims journeying to Arbaeen by road.
Further, the declaration sought the reopening of traditional cross-border trade routes, the reinstatement of Peshawar High Court (PHC) verdict concerning the Action in Aid of Civil Power Regulations, and the withdrawal of a Supreme Court appeal filed by the PTI-led provincial government.
Highlighting environmental concerns, the participants urged implementation of the 1993 water distribution accord and voiced alarm over canal projects threatening the fragile Indus Delta ecosystem.
Electoral reforms featured prominently, with calls for direct elections to the Senate and the enhancement of senators' legislative powers to parity with National Assembly members.
The APC also pressed for granting Gilgit-Baltistan full constitutional provincial status and renewed efforts to foster inter-party cooperation nationwide.
Condemning governmental constraints on press freedom, the conference demanded an end to Jirga-backed practices deemed discriminatory against women.
The APC's communiqué concluded with a foreign policy stance, vehemently condemning Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, calling for his designation as an international war criminal and prosecution before the International Court of Justice.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Business Recorder
3 hours ago
- Business Recorder
China and Russia start joint drills in Sea of Japan
BEIJING: China and Russia began joint naval drills in the Sea of Japan on Sunday as they seek to reinforce their partnership and counterbalance what they see as a US-led global order. Alongside economic and political ties, Moscow and Beijing have strengthened their military cooperation in recent years, and their relations have deepened since Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022. The 'Joint Sea-2025' exercises kicked off in waters near the Russian port of Vladivostok and would last for three days, China's defence ministry said in a statement on Sunday. The two sides will hold 'submarine rescue, joint anti-submarine, air defence and anti-missile operations, and maritime combat'. Four Chinese vessels, including guided-missile destroyers Shaoxing and Urumqi, are participating in the exercises alongside Russian ships, the ministry said. After the drills, the two countries will conduct naval patrols in 'relevant waters of the Pacific'. China and Russia have carried out annual drills for several years, with the 'Joint Sea' exercises beginning in 2012. Last year's drills were held along China's southern coast. The Chinese defence ministry said Friday that this year's exercises were aimed at 'further deepening the comprehensive strategic partnership' of the two countries. China has never denounced Russia's more than three-year war nor called for it to withdraw its troops, and many of Ukraine's allies, including the United States, believe that Beijing has provided support to Moscow. China insists it is a neutral party, regularly calling for an end to the fighting while also accusing Western countries of prolonging the conflict by arming Ukraine.
Express Tribune
7 hours ago
- Express Tribune
Govt mulls federal constitutional court
Listen to article Since the passage of the 26th Constitutional Amendment in October last year, the PML-N led federal government has remained largely successful in getting its way in courts. The most significant event is the award of convictions to 204 individuals — belonging to the PTI — in May 9 rioting cases. Chief Justice of Pakistan Yahya Afridi has played a key role in expeditious trials in May 9 cases. In April, a bench led by him gave four months' deadline to anti-terrorism courts (ATCs) to complete the trials. Similarly, the Supreme Court's Constitutional Bench, which was formed by virtue of the 26th Constitutional Amendment, has also endorsed the trials of 103 May 9 rioters by military courts. Majority of convicts including PTI founder Imran Khan's nephew are behind the bar, waiting for passage of a proposed legislation for getting the right of appeal against their convictions by military courts. Despite the completion of a 45-day deadline, the government has not taken any step to give the right of appeal against military courts' decisions. The constitutional bench is also not sitting due to summer vacations. Three detailed judgements in crucial cases — related reserved seats, transfer of judges to the Islamabad High Court (IHC) and military courts — are awaited. On the other hand, the government is waiting for an appropriate time to bring the 27th Constitutional Amendment. A senior government functionary admitted that the creation of a federal constitutional court is under serious consideration. Judiciary role since May 9, 2023 The judiciary's role has been vital amid the ongoing confrontation between the security establishment and the PTI, a confrontation that started after the ouster of the PTI government in April 2022. However, the establishment got disappointed, when a bench led by ex-chief justice of Pakistan Umar Ata Bandial took up a matter related to the arrest of PTI chief Imran Khan on May 9, 2023 and directed the law enforcement agencies to present him in the court. Subsequently, the court gave relief to Imran which further upset the executive functionaries. Ex-CJP Bandial was keen to hold general elections of Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa assemblies within the 90-day period but he could not do so due to various reasons. The former PML-N led government had issued notification regarding the appointment of Justice Qazi Faez Isa as the next CJP months before the retirement of Justice Bandial. After his taking charge of the SC, Justice Isa did not disappoint the present government in any important matter. Ex-CJP Isa did not take notice of the allegations of human rights violation as well as election rigging. During his term, judgment declaring civilian trials in military courts as unconstitutional was suspended, the PTI was deprived of its election symbol ahead of the February 8 election, the party's female workers and leaders could not get bail and Imran was convicted in three cases during his jail trials. Despite all these happenings, the February 8 election results were shocking for anti-PTI elements. Ex-CJP Isa was considered a "guarantor of system" which was formed after the elections. When some judges raised concerns about agencies' interference in judicial functions, Justice Isa did not back them. Lawyers believe that Justice Isa's biggest step to facilitate the executive was the elevation of ex-Lahore High Court chief justice Malik Shahzad Ahmad Khan to the apex court. The present government was very uncomfortable with Justice Khan on account of his bold steps to ensure fairness in litigations related to election disputes and the May 9 cases. Ex-LHC CJ was the biggest hurdle in the manipulation of trials in the May 9 matters. Soon after his elevation to the SC, different ATCs judges were transferred to the satisfaction of the executive. After six IHC judges wrote a letter to Justice Isa in March last year, the executive started working on a plan to control the superior judiciary. One section of judges had made an attempt to secure the independence of judiciary by giving July 12, 2024 decision in the reserved seats case but they could not succeed. Post 26th amendment judiciary Instead of getting united for the independence of the institution, SC judges are visibly divided into two camps. The beneficiaries of constitutional amendment in the judiciary did not disappoint the present government in any issue. The executive is completely comfortable with all high courts as well as the apex court. Majority of dissenting judges have been sidelined and not included in the constitutional bench. Even the judges who were not in the good books of the executive have been sidelined in the IHC. The government's plan has also been successful in the IHC wherein they transferred three judges from other high courts. Subsequently, Justice Sardar Muhammad Sarfraz Dogar became the IHC CJ as per the government's plan. It is being witnessed that the executive has total dominance in the process of superior courts judges' appointment after 26th Constitutional Amendment. Post 26th amendment, the PTI could not get any substantive relief in any matter. Now questions are being raised about convictions in May 9 cases. It is learnt that two senior PTI leaders recently met CJP Yahya Afridi to express apprehensions over non adherence of Article 10-A of the Constitution during the trials. There is a strong perception that "excessive and unjustified" sentences are awarded to the majority of PTI activists and lawmakers. Now all eyes are now on the LHC, which will hear the appeals against the convictions. Generally, convicts have to surrender to court before filing appeals against their convictions. One of PTI legal team members revealed that they are considering alternate strategies to plead the case against convictions. Despite passage of several months, Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi's petitions for the suspension of sentences in the 190 million pounds case have not been decided by the IHC. It will be interesting to see which LHC bench is assigned the task to hear appeals against convictions. Lawyers fear that if the situation remains the same and the convictions are awarded without adherence to due process then people will lose complete trust in the judiciary and the ultimate loser will be the justice system. The judges, who are on the driving seat in the superior judiciary, must evolve a mechanism to end the perception that post 26 amendment judiciary is working under executive influence.
Express Tribune
8 hours ago
- Express Tribune
ExxonMobil likely to come back for offshore venture
Listen to article As Pakistan is celebrating US President Donald Trump's announcement of joint development of Pakistan's oil reserves, Washington has not signalled whether its energy giant ExxonMobil will make a comeback to participate in bidding for offshore oil and gas fields. Though Pakistan and the US have a long history of relationship, American oil and gas companies have not remained very active here. Pakistan's two provinces – Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan— are rich in oil and gas deposits, however, security challenges have hindered progress on potential projects. Distrust between Pakistan and the US still prevails as conspiracy theories suggest that offshore fields in Karachi seawaters have significant hydrocarbon reserves. Many people believe that Pakistan did not allow ExxonMobil to go further beyond in sea for offshore exploration during the tenure of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government. Reports indicate that the US company sought access to an additional area in Kekra field to assess prospects of finding oil and gas but Pakistan expressed hesitation. Now, the US president has struck a new agreement for oil and gas field development in Pakistan. It comes at a time when Islamabad is inviting foreign companies to submit bids for offshore fields, which will open on September 30. Background discussions with officials revealed that the US had scores of private energy companies, but there were no signals which one would take part in field development. Pakistan expects ExxonMobil to come back for a new offshore exploration venture. However, Pakistani officials point out that Trump's announcement is just a commitment that US energy companies will come to Pakistan. "It will be clear in the coming days when the two countries will start official-level talks by including energy companies to look for opportunities of joint ventures," remarked an official. This is encouraging news as the US has been inclined towards India in the past. Even Indian oil and gas companies had formed joint ventures with US firms. Earlier, Washington even refused to export liquefied natural gas (LNG) to Pakistan and showed interest in dealing with Delhi. At that time, a US embassy official told media that Indian companies had entered into joint ventures with US firms; therefore, the doors for LNG trade were open for India, not Pakistan. Of late, the US president has hinted at American companies' investment in Pakistan's mineral sector. US Exim Bank is one of the financiers interested in pumping capital into the Reko Diq copper and gold mining project. US companies are also keen to forge joint ventures with Pakistani firms in the mineral sector, which has estimated potential worth $8 trillion. Experts call it a new opening in bilateral relationship between Pakistan and US that will clear the way for notable investment.
