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challenged in court, such laws may not stand,” he said.

He claimed that institutions like the judiciary and the Anti-Corruption Commission are again becoming vulnerable to political influence, despite earlier criticism over their politicisation.

He also questioned the government’s commitment to constitutional principles, citing the appointment of administrators instead of elected representatives in local government bodies. According to him, existing provisions allow the executive to remove elected officials at will, posing a threat to democratic processes.

Asif further criticised the repeal of privacy protections under the Right to Information framework, warning that multiple agencies could regain the power to intercept phone calls and private communications without proper judicial oversight.

“Dictatorships are born this way. We are seeing the signs again,” he said.

He also warned that if the government does not accept the outcome of the recent referendum and enact reform-related ordinances into law, the NCP may declare the process illegitimate and intensify its movement.

Asif said the party had initially planned to focus on organisational work and local government elections but was forced to take to the streets due to government inaction.

He also urged former advisers involved in drafting the ordinances to speak up in defence of constitutional rights.

He demanded that reform-related ordinances be enacted into law and previous provisions introduced under special circumstances be repealed to demonstrate genuine commitment.