The opposition alliance Tehreek Tahaffuz Ayeen-e-Pakistan (TTAP) on Sunday issued a declaration calling for free, fair and transparent elections and urgent measures to protect citizens’ rights, ensure justice, and uphold the independence of state institutions.
At the conclusion of a two-day consultative conference in Islamabad, the alliance emphasized the need for an independent probe into the “worst and blatant” rigging during the Feb. 8, 2024 elections and demanded that those responsible be identified and punished.
Apart from opposition forces, the conference included representatives of civil society groups, journalista and human rights activists. During event, several speakers expressed support for a “street movement” though TTAP chief Mahmood Khan Achakzai reiterated his call for dialogue as a means to resolve political unrest in the country.
The joint declaration criticizes the erosion of judicial independence, alleging the “removal and forced transfers” of judges. Condemning these actions, it describes them as unconstitutional and politically motivated.
The declaration also condemned enforced disappearances and the listing of political activists under the Fourth Schedule, terming these measures illegal, unconstitutional and politically motivated.
It warned that public confidence in the political system would continue to deteriorate without fair polls under a new, impartial Election Commission. It stressed that economic and political stability are intertwined and essential for national development.
Additionally, the conference called for urgent measures to protect citizens’ rights, ensure justice, and uphold the independence of state institutions. It expressed solidarity with former judge Tariq Jahangiri, who was removed from office last week after a two-member bench of the Islamabad High Court found him guilty of possessing a fake degree.
The declaration also criticized sentences imposed on former Prime Minister Imran Khan and his wife for allegedly corrupt activities, as well as the alleged ill-treatment of Khan’s sisters while they were staging sit-ins outside Adiala Jail. It said all “political prisoners” should be released. It stressed on ending restrictions on meetings with Khan, condemned allegedly false cases against Murtaza Jatoi of the Grand Democratic Alliance and Zain Shah of Sindh United Party, and denounced police brutality on political protests in Moro.
The alliance said it planned to mark Feb. 8, 2026, the second anniversary of the incumbent government, as a black day, with nationwide protests including wheel-jam and shutter-down strikes to highlight demands for constitutional restoration and accountability. It said it was forming a central committee to mobilize the public and strengthen its organizational structure. It said it would also organize national consultative conferences in all provincial capitals, and intensify engagement with bar councils, civil society organizations and the public to pursue the restoration of the Constitution, rule of law and democratic norms.