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 recognises the sovereignty of Almighty Allah and guarantees Islamic principles.
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“The common citizen has been deprived of basic rights,” he said, adding that the Pakistan Rights Movement would serve all segments of 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, prompt and affordable justice, freedom of expression, access to education and healthcare, and the elimination of poverty and corruption.
Former Jamaat-e-Islami leader also highlighted the party’s commitment to ending extrajudicial killings and military operations, and restoring trust among the federating units.
Criticising the existing parliamentary system, he termed it illegitimate and said that journalism and freedom of expression were facing restrictions in the country. He said unemployment, inflation, food insecurity, drug abuse, environmental pollution and corruption had emerged as serious challenges.
He further criticised the defence budget, the dominance of the elite, payments to independent power producers (IPPs), the deteriorating condition of youth and the issue of human trafficking.
Calling for greater public involvement in key decisions, former Senator said that before any military operations are carried out, the public, assemblies and regional jirgas should be taken into confidence.
He added that the armed forces should refrain from political activities, borders should be secured, and capable and honest leadership should be brought forward to steer the country in the right direction.