POLITICS & POLICY MAKING
Former Senator Mushtaq Ahmed Khan on Sunday officially announced the formation of a new political party, the Pakistan Rights Movement, declaring a commitment to constitutional supremacy, social justice, and the protection of fundamental rights in the country.
The announcement was made during a ceremony held at a private hotel in Islamabad, which was attended by the party’s central leadership, workers, and people from various walks of life.
Addressing the gathering, Mushtaq Ahmed Khan said that the Pakistan Rights Movement would conduct politics strictly in accordance with the 1973 Constitution and would struggle to ensure its full implementation. He stressed that constitutional supremacy was essential for political stability and public welfare.
He said that under the existing system, the common citizen had been deprived of basic rights, adding that equality, justice and public service would be the core pillars of his party’s politics. “Our struggle is for the rights of the people who have been ignored and marginalised,” he said.
The former senator emphasised that the 1973 Constitution recognises the sovereignty of Allah Almighty and guarantees Islamic principles, stating that their complete implementation was among the top priorities of the Pakistan Rights Movement. He added that the party aimed to end the monopoly of a few privileged classes and establish socio-economic justice across the country.
Outlining the party’s agenda, Mushtaq Ahmed Khan said the Pakistan Rights Movement would strive for speedy and affordable justice, freedom of expression, quality education and healthcare, eradication of poverty and corruption, and an end to extrajudicial killings and military operations. He also stressed the need to restore trust between the federation and its constituent units.
Criticising the existing parliamentary setup, he described it as “fake” and said the country was facing restrictions on journalism and freedom of expression. He pointed out that unemployment, inflation, food insecurity, the spread of drugs, environmental pollution and corruption had emerged as serious national challenges.
Mushtaq Ahmed Khan concluded by saying that the Pakistan Rights Movement would present an alternative political vision focused on people-centric governance, rule of law and accountability, and would raise its voice peacefully for the rights of the people at every forum.