ISLAMABAD: Senior political figures on Tuesday gathered at the residence of former Senator Mustafa Nawaz Khokhar in Islamabad to discuss Pakistan’s ongoing political and economic crises.
The delegation, led by Opposition Leader Omar Ayub Khan and former National Assembly Speaker Asad Qaiser, comprised leaders from the Movement for Protection of the Constitution of Pakistan and other political factions.
Addressing a joint press conference alongside leaders from the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and Tehreek-e-Tahaffuz-e-Aeen Pakistan, Mustafa Nawaz Khokhar warned of the deepening public impact of Pakistan’s crises.
He emphasized that political instability and strained international relations have exacerbated the country’s challenges. Criticizing the current government’s performance, Khokhar called for democratic forces to unite on a common platform to address these issues. He also announced plans for a follow-up meeting to formulate a roadmap for national progress.
Opposition Leader Omar Ayub underlined the delegation’s shared commitment to constitutional supremacy and the rule of law. He criticized the government’s mismanagement, citing the underutilization of the Rs1,400 billion development budget, of which only 9% has been spent.
Ayub also highlighted the alarming outflow of over 2 million young Pakistanis seeking opportunities abroad last year, underscoring public disillusionment with the system. He further lamented judicial decisions against key political figures, including PTI’s founding leader, as a blow to the country’s democratic fabric.
Former Speaker Asad Qaiser reiterated the need for citizens to reclaim their constitutional rights, accusing the government of undermining fundamental freedoms and stifling political dissent. He pointed to targeted efforts to silence opposition voices in regions such as Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan. Qaiser reaffirmed his and Khokhar’s commitment to restoring constitutional order and vowed to involve the general public in this struggle.
Allama Raja Nasir Abbas echoed these sentiments, stating that Pakistan’s founding principles have been overshadowed by a failing political system that has lost public trust. He called for governance to realign with constitutional values, ensuring that elected representatives prioritize serving the people. Abbas vowed to continue the fight for constitutional supremacy and reiterated demands for the release of PTI’s founder.
The leaders stressed that only through a unified democratic effort can Pakistan overcome its current crises and rebuild public confidence in the country’s political and economic future.