ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan has called on the National Assembly to ensure justice for his party, warning against pushing them to take to the streets in protest once more.
Speaking on the National Assembly floor on Wednesday, Barrister Gohar criticized the state’s handling of peaceful protests, alleging widespread injustices and violence against PTI supporters.
“Our people were wronged… bullets were fired at them. In any civilized nation, such actions against peaceful protesters are unthinkable,” he said.
The PTI leader urged the formation of an independent commission to investigate the events of May 9. He also demanded that lawmakers address institutional shortcomings, asserting that the assembly had failed to adequately protect its members and their families.
“Oppression may grow, but it ultimately fades away,” Gohar remarked, emphasizing the importance of accountability and reform to prevent recurring injustices. He reaffirmed that PTI’s demonstrations were peaceful and devoid of any evidence of weapons among participants.
While PTI has not announced an immediate return to street protests, it has reiterated plans to launch a civil disobedience movement later this month if its demands, including the repeal of the 26th Constitutional Amendment, are not met.
PTI Leaders Demand Release of Imran Khan and Others
Separately, PTI senior leader Omar Ayub, speaking to the media outside Parliament House, announced that a request for Senator Ejaz Chaudhry’s production order had been submitted to the Senate. Ayub also renewed calls for the release of PTI founder Imran Khan, Shah Mahmood Qureshi, and other party leaders.
“We demand immediate judicial inquiries into the incidents of May 9 and November 24,” Ayub said.
He criticized Defence Minister Khawaja Asif for resorting to personal attacks, stating: “Khawaja Asif has no arguments except for baseless accusations.”
Highlighting the plight of PTI members, Ayub claimed: “Twelve of our supporters have been killed, over 200 are missing, and 5,000 are detained.”
He further questioned the government’s lack of accountability, asking: “Who fired the bullets, and why? The government owes the nation an explanation.”
Ayub reiterated PTI’s demand for the release of all detained party members, including Hassan Niazi and those facing military trials. “We call for the immediate release of the PTI founder and all incarcerated leaders,” he asserted, condemning the detentions as unjust.
NA Session: Praise and Criticism
During the National Assembly session, PPP leader Naveed Qamar raised concerns over the absence of federal ministers during the question hour.
“No ministers were present to answer questions,” Qamar noted, suggesting that parliamentary secretaries could respond in their stead. He urged the chair to issue a ruling requiring federal ministers to address queries directly.
In response, the deputy speaker assured the assembly that he would write to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to address the issue.
Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar also acknowledged the concern, stating: “This aligns with the prime minister’s directive. Steps are being taken to improve this process.”
Commending the opposition for opting for dialogue within the assembly instead of protests, Tarar remarked: “It is encouraging that the opposition is engaging in discussions within the house.”
Highlighting recent economic developments, Tarar added: “Inflation has declined, interest rates are down, and the stock exchange is performing better.”
He urged fair acknowledgment of progress while welcoming constructive criticism. “Criticize when necessary, but also appreciate when positive steps are taken,” Tarar said.
This evolving dynamic underscores the ongoing tensions and the critical need for meaningful dialogue and accountability within Pakistan’s political framework.
