Opposition for dialogue, new Charter of Democracy

ISLAMABAD: The opposition parties on Friday said there was a need to hold dialogue among political parties and the country should have a new Charter of Democracy, after they held a two-day All Parties Conference (APC) in the federal capital.

They also called for an independent Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) to hold free and fairs polls in the country.

On the other hand, the APC proposed formation of a “truth and reconciliation commission” to investigate the “political incidents” — an obvious reference to the May 9 violence

The demands comes as the anti-terrorism courts have started deciding the May 9 cases, resulting in the conviction of PTI leaders and workers.

Read more: Qureshi acquitted, Yasmin Rashid convicted in Sherpao bridge case

Meanwhile, the series of sentencing comes after the judiciary faced criticism for the delay in deciding the cases — both from the ruling parties and establishment.

Addressing a press conference, Mustafa Nawaz Khokhar read out the joint declaration after the meeting, where he was accompanied by PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar and Asad Qaiser.

Earlier, Khokhar had said that the opposition parties were organising the APC from July 31 to August 1, which would make decision about the future line of action after deliberations.

Read more: Mustafa Nawaz Khokhar says APC to decide course of action

Meanwhile, the PTI founder — Imran Khan who is already convicted and jailed — is facing the prospects being tried in a military court. He is masterminding the May attacks carried out on sensitive installations and government offices.

Last weeks, Special Assistant to Prime Minister Rana Sanaullah said the charges against Imran were based upon facts and he would get the punishment for what he had done.