PTI Chief
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan has strongly urged the National Assembly to ensure justice for his party, warning that failure to do so may force them to return to the streets in protest.
Speaking on the floor of the National Assembly on Wednesday, Barrister Gohar expressed his discontent with how the state had handled PTI’s peaceful protests.
He highlighted the violence and injustices faced by PTI supporters, condemning the use of force against demonstrators. “Our people were wronged… bullets were fired at them. In any civilised nation, such actions against peaceful protesters are unthinkable,” he stated, emphasizing the severity of the situation.
The PTI leader called for the formation of an independent commission to investigate the events of May 9, urging lawmakers to address the failures within institutions.
He pointed out that the National Assembly had not adequately protected its members or their families. “Oppression grows but ultimately fades away,” Gohar stated, stressing the importance of accountability and reform to prevent similar incidents in the future.
He reiterated that PTI’s protests had been peaceful and that there was no evidence of weapons among the demonstrators.
While the party has not yet announced plans to take to the streets again, it has warned that it will begin a civil disobedience movement later this month unless the government agrees to its demands, including the repeal of the controversial 26th Constitutional Amendment.
In a separate development, PTI senior leader Omar Ayub, during a media briefing outside the Parliament House, announced that a request for Senator Ejaz Chaudhry’s production order had been submitted to the Senate.
Ayub also demanded the release of PTI’s founder, Imran Khan, former foreign minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi, and other detained party leaders.
He called for judicial inquiries into the events of May 9 and November 24, criticizing Defence Minister Khawaja Asif for resorting to personal attacks rather than addressing key issues.
Ayub highlighted the casualties, missing persons, and the large number of PTI members detained, reiterating PTI’s demand for their immediate release, including those undergoing military trials.
During the National Assembly session, PPP leader Naveed Qamar raised concerns about the absence of federal ministers during the question hour.
He pointed out that parliamentary secretaries were responding instead of the ministers who were expected to answer queries. In response, the deputy speaker promised to address the issue by writing a letter to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar acknowledged Qamar’s concerns, stating that the issue aligns with the Prime Minister’s directive and that efforts are being made to improve parliamentary processes.
Tarar commended the opposition for choosing dialogue within the National Assembly over street protests, calling it a positive step. He also highlighted positive economic developments, such as reduced inflation, lower interest rates, and a stronger stock exchange, while urging fair acknowledgment of the progress made.
He encouraged balanced criticism, stating that while raising issues is important, appreciation for positive developments should also be recognized.
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