Opposition rejects ‘engineered politics’ at APC, calls for restoration of democracy

Background and Formation of the All Parties Conference (APC)

The All Parties Conference (APC) held in Islamabad emerged as a response to growing concerns among opposition parties about the state of democracy in Pakistan. Organized under the Tehreek Tahafuz Ayin-e-Pakistan (TTAP) alliance, the APC brought together leaders from diverse political backgrounds, including the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), Pakhtunkhwa Milli Awami Party (PKMAP), former senators, legal experts, and civil society representatives. This coalition was established to address issues surrounding constitutional violations, political victimization, and judicial manipulation.

Initially planned to take place at a hotel in Islamabad, the APC had to be relocated to the farmhouse of former senator Mustafa Nawaz Khokhar after the hotel unexpectedly canceled the booking. This incident itself was viewed by many as indicative of the challenges facing opposition voices in Pakistan, reflecting the broader theme of political suppression addressed during the conference.

The formation of TTAP and the APC signifies a strategic move by opposition factions to unify their efforts against what they perceive as an engineered political system imposed by unelected forces. The alliance aims to restore the sanctity of Pakistan’s constitution and ensure that democratic principles are upheld in governance and judicial proceedings.

Condemnation of Engineered Politics and Judicial Victimization

A core theme of the APC was the vehement rejection of engineered politics, a term used by the opposition to describe the manipulation of political processes by powerful institutions to marginalize dissenting voices. Opposition leaders expressed deep concern over the erosion of civilian authority and the subversion of democratic norms through politically motivated judicial actions.

The recent prison sentences handed to prominent PTI leaders were a particular focus of criticism. These verdicts, especially the 10-year sentences issued by an anti-terrorism court in Faisalabad, were labeled as politically motivated attempts to silence opposition. The APC unanimously passed a resolution condemning these convictions, calling for an immediate reversal to uphold justice and fairness.

Opposition figures emphasized that such judicial victimization undermines the rule of law and damages public trust in state institutions. They argued that genuine democracy cannot flourish under a system where courts are perceived as tools of political repression rather than impartial arbiters of justice.

Calls for Restoration of Constitutional Supremacy

Central to the APC’s agenda was the demand to restore constitutional supremacy in Pakistan. Opposition leaders highlighted the repeated violations of the constitution by powerful institutions, warning that these breaches threaten the country’s democratic foundation and social contract. Mehmood Khan Achakzai, PKMAP and TTAP chief, stressed that states are governed by social contracts enshrined in their constitutions, not by force or coercion.

Achakzai recalled past dismissals of Pakistan’s constitution by military rulers and urged all stakeholders—including judges, military officials, lawyers, scholars, and citizens—to uphold the constitution’s authority. The APC underscored that TTAP was a grassroots initiative, independent of institutional influence, dedicated solely to ensuring parliamentary sovereignty and constitutional governance.

The conference also called for the repeal of the controversial 26th Amendment, which opposition leaders argue has contributed to the centralization of power and weakened democratic institutions. Restoring constitutional supremacy was framed as a prerequisite for achieving political stability and national unity.

Demand for Neutral Election Commission and Judicial Independence

The APC articulated a strong demand for the establishment of a neutral and transparent election commission to ensure free and fair elections in Pakistan. Opposition leaders criticized the current electoral framework as biased and vulnerable to manipulation by entrenched powers, which undermines the democratic process and the legitimacy of elected representatives.

Judicial independence was another critical issue raised during the conference. Opposition members contended that the judiciary’s autonomy has been compromised by political interference, leading to verdicts that serve political agendas rather than justice. Restoring judicial independence was emphasized as essential to safeguarding citizens’ rights and maintaining the rule of law.

The APC urged the government and relevant authorities to take immediate steps to depoliticize the judiciary and electoral institutions. They argued that credible elections and impartial courts are fundamental pillars for rebuilding public confidence in Pakistan’s democratic system.

Voices from Opposition Leaders and Civil Society

Veteran politicians and civil society figures played a prominent role in the APC, articulating concerns about the current political climate. Javed Hashmi highlighted the resilience of PTI supporters despite attempts to deny the party an election symbol and imprison its founder, Imran Khan. He stressed that true national unity can only be achieved through winning hearts, not through coercion or force.

Lashkari Raisani, former senator from Balochistan, called for the creation of a Truth and Justice Commission to investigate individuals and institutions responsible for weakening Pakistan’s constitution. He challenged political parties to decide whether they would engage with the establishment or pursue collective action outside the so-called ‘dummy parliament,’ emphasizing the urgency of reclaiming genuine parliamentary democracy.

Allama Raja Nasir Abbas, Chairman of Majlis Wahdatul Muslimeen (MWM), echoed the sentiment that Pakistan’s constitutional framework has been suspended and the pillars of the state are crumbling. He warned that public trust in the system has eroded and insisted that only adherence to the rule of law and constitutional revival can rescue the nation from political and institutional collapse.

Impact of Engineered Politics on Pakistan’s Democracy

The opposition’s characterization of the current political system as ‘engineered’ reflects deep-seated frustrations with perceived undemocratic practices. Such politics involve manipulation of electoral outcomes, judicial decisions, and institutional powers to marginalize opposition and consolidate control. This approach undermines democratic norms, stifles political pluralism, and alienates citizens from the political process.

Engineered politics have contributed to the erosion of civilian supremacy in governance, with military and bureaucratic institutions often accused of exerting undue influence over elected governments. This dynamic has created a political environment where genuine democratic accountability is compromised, and public grievances remain unaddressed.

The APC’s strong stance against engineered politics aims to highlight the urgent need for systemic reforms that restore democratic integrity. By mobilizing political parties and civil society, the opposition hopes to build momentum for a more transparent, participatory, and constitutionally grounded political order.

Prospects for Democratic Revival and Political Unity

The APC represents a critical juncture for Pakistan’s democracy, signaling a united opposition front committed to challenging anti-democratic forces. The conference’s calls for constitutional restoration, judicial independence, and electoral reforms provide a blueprint for democratic revival. However, achieving these goals requires sustained political will, dialogue, and cooperation among diverse stakeholders.

Political unity among opposition parties, as demonstrated by TTAP, is essential to counterbalance entrenched powers and advocate effectively for democratic rights. Building alliances with civil society, legal experts, and the broader public can strengthen demands for reform and increase pressure on the government and institutions to act responsibly.

While challenges persist, including potential resistance from powerful entities, the APC has reinvigorated the discourse on democracy in Pakistan. Its emphasis on constitutionalism and popular sovereignty offers a hopeful path forward for restoring political stability and inclusive governance.

Conclusion: Upholding Democracy and Constitutional Rule in Pakistan

The All Parties Conference in Islamabad has brought to the forefront critical issues surrounding democracy, governance, and constitutional integrity in Pakistan. Opposition leaders’ rejection of engineered politics and judicial victimization underscores the urgent need to address systemic flaws undermining the nation’s democratic fabric.

Restoring constitutional supremacy, establishing neutral electoral institutions, and ensuring judicial independence are imperative steps toward rebuilding public trust and strengthening democratic governance. The unity displayed by opposition parties and civil society at the APC signals a collective commitment to these principles.

Ultimately, Pakistan’s future depends on the ability of its political actors and institutions to respect the will of the people, uphold the rule of law, and foster an environment where democracy can thrive free from manipulation and coercion.

Conclusion

The All Parties Conference in Islamabad represents a decisive moment in Pakistan’s ongoing struggle for democratic restoration. By collectively opposing engineered politics and judicial manipulation, opposition parties and civil society have laid the groundwork for renewed emphasis on constitutional supremacy and democratic principles. Moving forward, sustained efforts to reform electoral and judicial institutions, coupled with political unity, are essential to rebuild trust and ensure that Pakistan’s governance truly reflects the will of its people. Upholding the rule of law and the constitution remains the cornerstone for a stable, inclusive, and democratic Pakistan.