ISLAMABAD: A coalition of prominent Pakistani opposition leaders on Friday called for a unified political strategy to address what they described as a systematic effort to eliminate dissent, condemning recent convictions related to the May 9, 2023, riots and rejecting the legitimacy of the 2024 general elections.

The two-day multiparty conference was convened by the Tehreek-e-Tahafuz-e-Ayeen-e-Pakistan (TTAP) — or Movement for the Protection of Pakistan’s Constitution — a newly formed alliance of politicians, lawyers and civil society leaders advocating for constitutional supremacy and civilian rule.

Established earlier this year, TTAP is chaired by veteran Pashtun leader Mahmood Khan Achakzai and held its gathering in Islamabad at the residence of former senator Mustafa Nawaz Khokhar, who said the capital administration had attempted to block the event by sealing off its original venue.

“There is a clear attempt to eliminate the opposition in this country,” Khokhar said toward the end of the gathering, adding: “All parties at the conference unanimously agreed that a comprehensive and joint strategy is urgently needed to steer the country out of this crisis.”

The conference condemned the convictions handed down to the leaders and supporters of the country’s jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party over their alleged role in the May 9 unrest.

The protests, triggered by Khan’s brief detention by paramilitary rangers on corruption charges, turned violent, with attacks on military installations across the country. An anti-terrorism court in Pakistan convicted the leaders of the opposition in the National Assembly and Senate on charges of being involved in the unrest, though the PTI has frequently described such cases and convictions as politically motivated.

The government, however, said all those who were sentenced were given fair trials within the legal and constitutional framework.

“Fair trials were conducted in the May 9 cases in accordance with the law,” Information Minister Ata Tarar asserted in a televised statement following the opposition alliance’s news conference. “The proceedings lasted two full years, during which the prosecution presented its arguments and evidence.”

The multiparty conference participants also denounced the imprisonment of Khan and his wife, Bushra Imran, and demanded their immediate release.

The declaration agreed at the gathering also accused the government of “fascism and political victimization” and rejected the outcome of the 2024 elections as fraudulent.

It also called for repealing the 26th Amendment, which curtailed judicial autonomy by expanding parliamentary oversight of appointments, saying it had undermined judicial independence in Pakistan, and expressed solidarity with six

Islamabad High Court judges who had spoken out against institutional interference.

Tarar, however, dismissed the opposition’s assertions, saying the participants of the conference “had neither arguments nor facts.”

“Whenever a foreign visit to Pakistan is about to begin, especially by a foreign head of state, such actions are taken to sabotage it and damage the country’s economy,” he added, noting that the conference came just ahead of the Iranian president’s visit to Pakistan on Saturday.

ISLAMABAD: Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir on Friday described the country’s strategic partnership with China as “pivotal” for regional peace and stability, as he highlighted the strength of bilateral ties that have endured despite shifting global geopolitics.

The army chief was speaking at an event held at Pakistan’s military headquarters in Rawalpindi to mark the 98th founding anniversary of China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA). The ceremony was also attended by Chinese Ambassador Jiang Zaidong, PLA Defense Attaché Major General Wang Zhong and senior military officials from both countries.

Munir’s statement comes weeks after India’s Deputy Army Chief, Lt. Gen. Rahul Singh, claimed China had provided Pakistan with “live inputs” during a brief but intense four-day military conflict with India in May. Pakistan’s Defense Minister

Khawaja Asif, however, told Arab News prior to that that the outcome of the conflict was a “victory” that was entirely “Made in Pakistan.”

“The Field Marshal highlighted that the Pakistan-China strategic relationship exemplifies mutual trust, unwavering support and shared commitment,” the military’s media wing, Inter-Services Public Relations, said in a statement circulated after the event. “He stressed that despite shifting strategic dynamics, the friendship between the two nations has remained steadfast and unshakable.”

“He [also] emphasized that their enduring partnership will continue to play a pivotal role in promoting regional stability and safeguarding shared strategic interests,” the statement added.

The army chief also praised the PLA for its role in China’s defense, security and nation-building.

He described Pakistan and China as “true brothers-in-arms” whose bond remains “unique, time-tested and exceptionally resilient.”

The Chinese ambassador thanked the Pakistan Army for hosting the ceremony and reaffirmed Beijing’s commitment to the strategic partnership.

He also acknowledged Pakistan’s armed forces for their role in counterterrorism.

Pakistan and China are long-standing allies and partners in the multibillion-dollar China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a flagship project under China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).

The corridor provides China with direct access to the Arabian Sea via Pakistan’s Gwadar Port, while enabling Pakistan to modernize infrastructure and expand regional trade links.