ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan has urged the National Assembly to ensure justice for his party, warning against compelling them to return to the streets in protest.

Speaking on the floor of the lower house of parliament yesterday, Barrister Gohar criticised the state’s handling of the peaceful protests, highlighting alleged injustices and violence faced by PTI supporters.

“Our people were wronged bullets were fired at them. In any civilised nation, such actions against peaceful protesters are unthinkable,” he said. The PTI leader called for the formation of an independent commission to investigate the events of May 9.

He also urged lawmakers to address institutional failures, claiming the assembly had yet to protect its members and their families adequately.

“Oppression grows but ultimately fades away,” he said, emphasising the need for accountability and reform to prevent recurring injustices. Gohar reiterated that the PTI’s protests were peaceful, with no evidence of weapons among demonstrators.

While the party has not announced to take to the streets once again, it has said that it would begin a civil disobedience movement later this month if the government does not accept its demands, including the repealing of the 26th Constitutional Amendment.

During the National Assembly session earlier, PPP leader Naveed Qamar raised concerns over the absence of federal ministers during the question hour.

“We noticed no minister was present to provide answers,” Qamar remarked, adding that parliamentary secretaries could respond when necessary. He urged the chair to issue a ruling mandating that only federal ministers answer queries.

Responding to Qamar’s concerns, the deputy speaker promised to write a letter to Prime Shehbaz Sharif Minister addressing the issue.

Published in The Daily National Courier, December, 12 2024

Like Business on Facebook, follow @DailyNCourier on Twitter to stay informed and join in the conversation.