ISLAMABAD: Former senator Mushtaq Ahmad has formally launched a new political party named the Pakistan Rights Movement during a ceremony held in the federal capital.
According to reports, the event was attended by senior party leaders, workers, supporters, and representatives from civil society. Speaking on the occasion, Mushtaq Ahmad stated that his party would function strictly within the framework of the 1973 Constitution. He said ordinary citizens have long been denied their fundamental rights, and the new platform aims to ensure equality and justice for all segments of society.
The inaugural ceremony took place at a private hotel in Islamabad, where a large gathering of party members and well-wishers was present. Mushtaq Ahmad emphasized that the Constitution of 1973 upholds the sovereignty of Allah Almighty and guarantees Islamic values, which would guide the party’s political direction.
Outlining the party’s agenda, he said the Pakistan Rights Movement seeks to dismantle elite control, promote social and economic justice, ensure affordable and speedy justice, safeguard freedom of expression, and improve access to education and healthcare. Other priorities include eliminating poverty and corruption, ending extrajudicial killings and military operations, and rebuilding trust among the federating units.
Mushtaq Ahmad strongly criticized the existing parliamentary system, calling it ineffective, and alleged that media freedom and free expression are being curtailed. He highlighted rising unemployment, inflation, food shortages, drug addiction, environmental degradation, and corruption as major national concerns.
He also raised objections to the defense budget, elite privileges, payments to independent power producers (IPPs), youth marginalization, and human trafficking. He stressed that public opinion, parliament, and regional jirgas must be consulted before launching military operations. He further asserted that the armed forces should remain apolitical, borders must be protected, and honest and capable leadership should be promoted to steer the country in the right direction.
Recalling events from last year, Mushtaq Ahmad mentioned his arrest by Israeli forces following an attack on the Global Solidarity Flotilla heading towards Gaza. While many participants, including international activists, were released earlier, Mushtaq Ahmad remained detained for several days. His arrest drew strong condemnation from Pakistan and other countries, prompting diplomatic efforts by the Pakistani government.
The Foreign Office, in coordination with Pakistan’s embassy in Amman and with assistance from Jordan, worked toward securing his release. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif publicly demanded the immediate release of detainees and praised the participation of Pakistani activists in the humanitarian mission. The prime minister also assured Jamaat-e-Islami leaders that Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar was personally engaging with friendly countries and international organizations to ensure Mushtaq Ahmad’s safe return.
Subsequently, Mushtaq Ahmad distanced himself from Jamaat-e-Islami politics.
