PTI Chief urges NA to ensure justice, warns against further protests
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan has called on the National Assembly to deliver justice to his party, cautioning against forcing them to take to the streets again. Speaking in the lower house on Wednesday, he highlighted the grievances of PTI supporters, alleging violence and injustices during peaceful protests.
“Our people were wronged… bullets were fired at them. In any civilised nation, such actions against peaceful protesters are unthinkable,” Gohar stated, calling for accountability. He demanded the establishment of an independent commission to investigate the events of May 9 and urged lawmakers to address institutional shortcomings, which he claimed had failed to protect members and their families.
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Gohar reaffirmed that PTI’s protests were peaceful and devoid of weapons, urging reforms to prevent further injustices. “Oppression grows but ultimately fades away,” he said, stressing the need for accountability to uphold democratic principles.
Outside Parliament, senior PTI leader Omar Ayub reiterated the party’s demands during a media briefing. He announced that a request for Senator Ejaz Chaudhry’s production order had been submitted and called for the release of the party’s founder, Imran Khan, along with Shah Mahmood Qureshi and other detained leaders.
Highlighting the casualties and arrests, Ayub stated, “Twelve of our people have been killed, over 200 are missing, and 5,000 have been detained.” He also demanded inquiries into the May 9 and November 24 events, criticising the government for its lack of accountability.
“Who fired the bullets, and why? The government has provided no answers,” Ayub said, adding that the party opposes unjust military trials and demands the release of all political prisoners, including Hassan Niazi.
Ayub also took aim at Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, remarking: “Khawaja Asif has no arguments except for personal attacks.”
Law Minister Commends Opposition’s Parliamentary Role
During the National Assembly session, Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar praised the opposition’s decision to use parliamentary forums instead of street protests. “It is a positive step that the opposition has decided to discuss matters in the house,” he said.
Tarar addressed concerns raised by PPP leader Naveed Qamar over the absence of federal ministers during the question hour, acknowledging the validity of the issue and promising improvements. He added that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif holds regular meetings on economic matters, highlighting recent progress, including reduced inflation, lowered interest rates, and improvements in the stock exchange.
The law minister encouraged constructive criticism but urged the opposition to also recognise positive developments. “Criticise when necessary, but appreciate when something good happens,” Tarar remarked.
Although PTI has not officially announced a return to street protests, the party has warned of launching a civil disobedience movement later this month if its demands, including repealing the 26th Constitutional Amendment, are not met.
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