Introduces the Pakistan Rights Movement and promises rights-based policies while respecting the 1973 Constitution
Former senator Mushtaq Ahmed Khan announces the launch of a new political party during a ceremony in Islamabad on Saturday. SCREEN CAPTURE
Former senator Mushtaq Ahmed Khan on Saturday announced the launch of a new political party, the Pakistan Rights Movement, describing it as an Islamic and democratic platform committed to rebuilding the country in accordance with the 1973 Constitution.
According to Express News, the formal founding ceremony of the Pakistan Rights Movement was held at a private hotel in Islamabad and was attended by the party’s central leadership, workers, associates and members of civil society.
Addressing the gathering, Mushtaq said the party would function strictly in accordance with the 1973 Constitution, which recognizes the sovereignty of Almighty Allah and guarantees Islamic principles.
Read: Mushtaq Ahmad resigns from JI and says there are no personal differences with the party
“The common citizen has been deprived of basic rights,” he said, adding that the Pakistan Rights Movement would serve all segments of the society on the basis of equality.
He said the party aims to end the monopoly of a few privileged classes and promote social and economic justice, quick and affordable justice, freedom of expression, access to education and healthcare, and the elimination of poverty and corruption.
The former Jamaat-e-Islami leader also highlighted the party’s commitment to ending extrajudicial killings and military operations, and restoring trust among federated units.
Criticizing the existing parliamentary system, he called it illegitimate and said journalism and freedom of expression faced restrictions in the country. He said unemployment, inflation, food insecurity, drug abuse, environmental pollution and corruption had emerged as serious challenges.
He also criticized the defense budget, elite dominance, payments to independent power producers (IPP), the deteriorating conditions of youth and the problem of human trafficking.
The former senator called for greater public participation in key decisions and said that before carrying out any military operation, there must be confidence in public opinion, regional assemblies and jirgas.
He added that the armed forces must refrain from political activities, borders must be secured and capable and honest leadership must be presented to guide the country in the right direction.
