Debate in UK Parliament to Hold Commonwealth Secretariat Accountable, Petition Demands
Dr. Akhtar Gulfam, Editor-in-Chief, Daily Dawn, Director News Dawn TV
London: A petition is gaining traction in the UK, and British Muslims and whites are signing it in droves, demanding the release of a Commonwealth Report on Pakistan’s 2024 Elections and a debate in the UK Parliament to hold the Commonwealth Secretariat accountable
The petition states that general elections were held in Pakistan in February 2024. A 161-page report was prepared by the Commonwealth Observer Group, yet it has been suppressed and hidden from the public. This is not just about Pakistan – it is about the integrity of democracy in the Commonwealth and beyond.
It further stated that Pakistan’s institutions are under unprecedented pressure:
- The 26th Amendment has undermined judicial independence.
- The PICA Act and similar laws have silenced journalists and restricted freedom of expression.
- Independent media faces systematic pressure.
- Imran Khan, the people’s choice, is imprisoned on false charges to silence dissent.
The Commonwealth has a duty to uphold its democratic principles. In the past, Pakistan has been suspended from membership (1999 and 2007) after democratic governments were illegally removed. Today, suppressing an election report not only damages Pakistan’s democracy but also the reputation of the Commonwealth itself.
We demand:
- Immediate release of the full Commonwealth report on Pakistan’s elections.
- A debate in the UK Parliament to hold the Commonwealth Secretariat to account.
- Clear steps to support freedom of expression, judicial independence, and the rule of law in Pakistan.
As democracies weaken, the world is witnessing a disturbing rise in fascism and far-right ideologies. By standing up for transparency today, we protect not only Pakistan’s future but the democratic values that protect us all.
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