By Irum Saleem
Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) senior leader and former federal minister Moonis Elahi on Tuesday called on the federal government to resign on “moral grounds” and return the public mandate, arguing that cabinet reshuffles and the removal of ministers would neither resolve the country’s political instability nor provide meaningful relief to the people.
مبینہ طور پر وفاقی کابینہ سے کئی وزراء فارغ کئے جا رہے ہیں۔ جب کشتی ڈوبنے لگتی ہے تو بوجھ اتارا کرتے ہیں۔
— Moonis Elahi (@MoonisElahi) July 14, 2026
In a post on X, Moonis Elahi said the only sustainable way to restore political stability was to allow the electorate to determine the country’s future through a fresh democratic mandate.
“On moral grounds, the government should resign and return the public’s mandate. Otherwise, such political upheavals will continue to occur time and again. Merely withdrawing a ministry will not provide any relief to the public,” he wrote.
Mr Elahi’s statement came against the backdrop of renewed political debate over recent changes within the federal cabinet and criticism from opposition parties regarding the government’s performance and legitimacy.
The former federal minister maintained that replacing ministers or making administrative adjustments could not address the country’s deep-rooted political and economic challenges.
اشاروں پر ناچنے والی یہ فارم 47 کی حکومت آخری مراحل میں داخل ھو چکی ھے ان کے پاس کوئی پالیسی نہیں جس سے عوام کو ریلیف فراہم کر سکیں ناکام ترین حکومت ثابت ہوئی @MoonisElahi
— salmanmani (@salmanmani74822) July 14, 2026
He contended that the recurring political crises reflected what he described as the government’s lack of a genuine public mandate.
Moonis Elahi reiterated the PTI’s longstanding position that the solution to the country’s political deadlock lies in returning to the electorate rather than relying on changes within the existing power structure. He argued that the government should seek a fresh mandate instead of attempting to manage political instability through cabinet reorganisation.
The PTI has consistently alleged that the outcome of the February 2024 general elections did not reflect the people’s will and has repeatedly demanded fresh elections. The ruling coalition has rejected those allegations, insisting that it assumed office through the constitutional and parliamentary process and enjoys the confidence of the legislature.
Mr Moonis’ latest comments come at a time when political tensions remain high, with opposition parties intensifying criticism of the government’s handling of economic challenges, governance issues and the broader political situation. His remarks are likely to add to the ongoing debate over the government’s legitimacy and the opposition’s renewed demand for a fresh public mandate.
