PTI, PML-N exchange views on clashes – Pakistan

ISLAMABAD/LAHORE: As police cracked down on PTI leaders and workers protesting against price hike, alleged theft of mandates and in support of an independent judiciary, the opposition party condemned the government’s “undemocratic” behavior and accused the ruling elite of violating fundamental human rights, including the right to assemble.

The party alleged that the federal and Punjab governments are deliberately trying to create chaos and instability in the country and warned that the government will be held responsible for any untoward situation.

“Everyone can see what is being done to us in Rawalpindi and Lahore. It is our right to hold peaceful protests and our founder Chairman Imran Khan has always urged us to respect the law,” PTI leader Sheikh Waqas Akram said at a press conference at Khyber Pakhtunkhwa House in Islamabad on Saturday.

He said the PTI wanted to hold a peaceful protest at Liaquat Bagh to raise concerns over price hike, theft of election mandates and to support an independent judiciary. “After the withdrawal of the No Objection Certificate (NOC), we called for a peaceful protest. However, law enforcement authorities raided the homes of members of the national and provincial assemblies and arrested numerous leaders and workers. The government wants to deprive us of our constitutional rights,” he alleged.

PTI accuses Center and Punjab of instigating unrest, PML-N blames Gandapur for using KP assets to ‘attack’ Punjab

Mr Waqas said all routes to Liaquat Bagh were closed and even small streets were blocked with containers. “Workers and leaders faced bludgeoning and shooting by police. The worst was the use of expired tear gas canisters against protesters, resulting in injuries to several leaders and workers. Unfortunately, the federal and Punjab governments are trying to create unrest in the country,” he said.

“The government has been claiming that people are from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, but I ask, are people from KP not Pakistanis? The government is trying to sow division among the masses. We have witnessed false flag operations in the past. Can the deployment of the police solve problems?” he asked.

The PTI leader demanded that the government and the “information mafia” should prioritize the country over their interests and called for the immediate release of all arrested workers.

KP sources used: PML-N

Punjab Information Minister and PML-N leader Azma Bokhari has accused Prime Minister Ali Amin Gandapur of using Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s resources to “attack” Punjab. “If Gandapur had not been allowed to enter Punjab, he would not have been able to even cross the Attock Bridge. (Ex-KP Chief Minister) Pervez Khattak had also tried to come to Islamabad but could not cross the Attock Bridge,” she said at a press conference in Lahore on Saturday.

She alleged that the ‘terrorist outfit PTI’ had taught youth how to make petrol bombs. “In fact, PTI is planning to sabotage the Shanghai Cooperation Organization conference by creating unrest,” she alleged, accusing the party of conspiring against the country.

“We will not tolerate derogatory comments against Pakistan and its institutions during protests. They repeatedly claim to be peaceful, but everyone has seen their version of peace…,” she said.

Mr Bokhari wondered how a KP Prime Minister could enter another province armed with an AK-47. “Has any political party ever held meetings with weapons?”

Replying to a question, Ms Bokhari warned that if PTI members picked up weapons, they would be treated as terrorists. “PTI members should cut Imran Khan’s birthday cake outside Adiala Jail instead of Minar-i-Pakistan.”

PML-N Senator Talal Chaudhry said the so-called series of protests were launched by a “gang of rioters looking for an NRO”, not only holding the country and the nation hostage but also targeting Punjab.

He told a press worker in Faisalabad that spreading anarchy in the name of protests could not be allowed. He criticized the KP Prime Minister, saying he did nothing for the KP people except engaging in corruption and abusing opponents.

Tariq Saeed in Toba Tek Singh also contributed to this report

Published in Dawn, September 29, 2024