Lahore ( The COW News Digital)A new letter penned by senior leaders of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), currently imprisoned in Lahore’s Kot Lakhpat Jail, has surfaced, openly criticizing the failure of the Charter of Democracy due to what they claim are the self-serving actions of Pakistan’s two main political parties.
The letter, signed by prominent PTI figures including Shah Mahmood Qureshi, Dr. Yasmin Rashid, Mian Mehmood ur Rasheed, Ejaz Chaudhry, and Omar Sarfraz Cheema, asserts that the original purpose of the Charter—ensuring judicial independence and supremacy of the Constitution—has been completely undermined.
They write that the Charter of Democracy, which was once hailed as a roadmap for democratic reform, has been “destroyed by those who signed it.” According to the PTI leaders, both major parties have prioritized their personal and political interests over institutional development and democratic integrity.
The letter also accuses the current government of launching systematic attacks on democratic structures. It specifically cites the PECA law (Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act) as a tool of media suppression, the 26th Constitutional Amendment as an assault on judicial independence, and the use of Form 47 as evidence of electoral manipulation in the Parliament.
They argue that true democracy cannot flourish unless there is a restoration of constitutional supremacy and rule of law. “The democratic rights of the people must be fully respected,” the letter reads.
This is not the first time these jailed leaders have issued public commentary. Just days ago, they released an open letter urging both the government and PTI leadership to pursue meaningful dialogue to end the political deadlock.
Legal experts say the letter underscores the growing tension within Pakistan’s polarized political climate, especially as PTI leaders continue to push for negotiations while in custody.
Observers believe the letters may be part of a broader pressure campaign to reassert PTI’s political relevance and call for systemic reform from behind bars. As political instability continues and calls for reform intensify, the voices from Kot Lakhpat Jail appear to be gaining traction among PTI supporters and civil society activists alike.
