F.P. Report
PESHAWAR: PTI leader Salman Akram Raja highlighted Monday’s shameful incident outside Parliament, where the sanctity of the institution was violated.
Addressing a press conference along with other party leadership, the PTI leader called for the release of CCTV footage of May 9 incidents, stating that attacks on the constitutional system are being made to conceal the truth. Raja said that Pakistan’s democratic process and constitution should be allowed to progress freely.
He pointed out that certain individuals are exerting control over the democratic process. Addressing remarks made by CM Ali Amin Gandapur at a political rally, Raja clarified that Gandapur’s statement about coming with drums and music, if rally permission wasn’t granted, was never intended to disrespect women.
Raja expressed regret for any offense caused, saying, “We apologize. We plead, let Pakistan be free.” He warned that a group believes they control Pakistan’s destiny, and cautioned that the system cannot work if constitutional amendments are made under threats and intimidation. He questioned how a rally could be easily stopped and suggested that the arrests of PTI MNAs are being used as a distraction for other motives. “Why are we now behind Bangladesh and Nepal?” he asked. Raja concluded by stating that only through democracy and adherence to the constitution can people receive their rights, adding that in the past, every voice has been suppressed by certain forces.
Addressing the press conference, Ayub, who is also the Opposition Leader in the National Assembly, slammed the coalition government for using all tactics to stop his party’s Islamabad public gathering. He went on to say that the ruling parties in the coalition government levelled false allegations against the Imran-founded party and jailed its leaders.
Condemning the arrests of the PTI leaders in a police crackdown yesterday, Ayub termed September 9 a “black day” and claimed that “masked whisked away several party leaders” besides arresting MNA Sher Afzal Marwat and Shoaib Shaheen. PTI senior leader Asad Qaiser, in the press conference, announced that his party will fight for its rights on the streets besides continuing its legal battle in the courts. He demanded the release of PTI founder Imran Khan and other party inmates.
Asad Qaisar also demanded fresh elections in the country and termed the incumbent government “illegitimate”. He suggested that contempt of court cases should be filed against the Islamabad police chief and commissioner as they placed obstacles along the rally in the federal capital.
