An opposition alliance in Pakistan on Thursday (February 27) called for new national elections, accusing Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s government of suppressing political opponents, curtailing dissent, and violating human rights.
The alliance, Tehreek-e-Tahaffuz-e-Aeen-e-Pakistan (Movement for the Protection of the Constitution), concluded a two-day conference in Islamabad, demanding the release of all political prisoners and rejecting the results of last year’s parliamentary elections.
The conference’s declaration stated, “The results of the February 8, 2024, elections are directly responsible for the country’s current political, economic, and social crises.” It also claimed that Pakistan’s parliament lacked any “moral, political, or legal standing” because it emerged from a “fraudulent vote.” The declaration emphasized that “a free, fair, and transparent election is the only solution to the current political crisis.”
Sharif’s government dismissed the opposition’s allegations, asserting that these claims were an attempt to disrupt efforts to stabilize the economy through reforms. The government is believed to have the backing of Pakistan’s powerful military.
Leaders of the imprisoned former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party, journalists, and representatives of civil society attended the conference.
U.S. Legislative Developments
U.S. Congressman Joe Wilson, a leading Republican in the House of Representatives, announced on social media platform X that a draft bill aimed at “restoring democracy in Pakistan” was nearly complete. The conference in Islamabad took place a day after Wilson’s announcement.
Wilson said his proposed bill would mandate “a 30-day consideration for sanctions” on Pakistan’s army chief, General Asim Munir, and call for a review of sanctions against all generals, government officials, and their families. However, he did not provide further details.
Wilson, along with fellow Republican Congressman August Pfluger, also urged U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio to engage with Pakistan’s military government to secure the release of Imran Khan.
Experts Warn of Potential Consequences
Michael Kugelman, Director of the South Asia Institute at the Washington-based Wilson Center, cautioned that Wilson’s bill could create problems for Pakistan. He noted, “If this bill passes, it would be a big deal. Condemning attacks on democracy in Pakistan is one thing, but threatening sanctions is a different level of action.”
Kugelman added, “While Congress’s actions do not necessarily represent official U.S. policy, Pakistan’s leadership would not want Washington’s broader stance toward Pakistan to be reflected in this manner.”
Imran Khan’s Removal
Imran Khan, 72, has repeatedly blamed General Munir for the cases against him and the crackdown on his political party. Khan was ousted from power in April 2022 after losing a vote of confidence in parliament. Many viewed his removal as an attempt by the powerful military to silence a popular politician.
His ousting led to ongoing political turmoil in the country of 240 million, hindering Sharif’s efforts to attract domestic and foreign investment to revive the struggling economy.
The former cricket star, who became prime minister, was convicted of corruption in August 2023. He faces several other cases, which he claims are politically motivated, accusing the military of blocking his return to power.
Khan has alleged that the military rigged last year’s elections to prevent his party’s victory, allowing Sharif to form a coalition government. Sharif has denied these allegations.