On Wednesday, senior politician Javed Hashmi, who has held prominent roles in both the Pakistan Muslim League (N) and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, stated that Pakistan has been under martial law for the past 76 years, with only the forms of governance changing.
He claimed that the establishment has consistently maintained control and that true martial law has never been fully lifted.
Hashmi, who has been largely out of the public eye recently, shared these views during an appearance on the news program Spot Light on Aaj News.
Addressing recent parliamentary arrests, Hashmi expressed disappointment, noting that the integrity of the parliament has been compromised. He recounted his own experience of being detained from his parliamentary lodge, where his bedroom window was broken, and he was blindfolded for eight days before being sentenced to 23 years.
Hashmi denounced these recent actions as a severe form of terrorism, asserting that the sanctity of the parliament must be upheld and that directives from the Supreme Court and the Speaker should be respected. He criticized the Speaker for not taking more decisive action to ensure justice, such as filing an FIR and seeking harsher penalties.
He warned that the Speaker’s actions have set a dangerous precedent, potentially allowing for the arrest of anyone within the parliament, including the Prime Minister during a parliamentary session.
Hashmi proposed forming a committee with Imran Khan and Nawaz Sharif to address the current political crisis and devise a strategy to oppose any actions that contravene the constitution or the parliament.
He suggested that Nawaz Sharif would be prepared to fight back, feeling he has been treated unfairly.
Regarding Imran Khan’s accountability, Hashmi predicted it would eventually occur, possibly through General Faiz, and that it could affect anyone.
Hashmi recalled a 2014 meeting with Imran Khan, after Khan had met with General Raheel Sharif and received assurances that four constituencies would be opened.
Hashmi advised Khan to seize this opportunity, but Khan declined, citing that his supporters were not ready. Hashmi believed this was a missed opportunity, as Khan could have gained international support and a significant advantage.
He also noted that recent elections have provided a clear verdict, and attempting to negotiate with Nawaz Sharif and Zardari would be unproductive. He suggested that while Imran Khan might be open to such negotiations, they would ultimately be futile.
