Opp welcomes int’l investors delegation

PTI again urges independent probe into May 9 riots

LAHORE:

Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly, Omar Ayub Khan, expressed the opposition's warm welcome to an international investors’ delegation from a friendly nation.

He emphasized the importance of ensuring equitable distribution of dividends from such investments to benefit the local populace. Standing alongside MNAs Mahmood Khan Achakzai of Pakhtunkhwa Milli Awami Party (PkMAP) and Barrister Gohar Ali Khan, Khan reiterated the opposition's stance on prioritizing the welfare of local communities in regions where investment projects are implemented.

He maintained that any delegation from brotherly nations intended to support the economic uplift of the country was warmly welcomed by the opposition.

The opposition, he added, had the only demand that the government should ensure equal and just distribution of the dividends of those investments to the local populace of the particular region where the projects were implemented.

“Be it Balochistan or Khyber Pakhtunkhwa or any other province the first beneficiaries of foreign investment are the local people.”

Highlighting the significance of upholding the Constitution and the rule of law, Mahmood Achakzai extended an invitation to any political party that shares these principles to join the opposition alliance.

Barrister Gohar Ali emphasized the non-negotiable nature of the rule of law, emphasizing that it serves as the foundation for a thriving democracy. He affirmed his party's commitment to continuing the struggle for this cause.

Meanwhile, the PTI has reiterated its call for independent investigations into the May 9 and Bahawalnagar incidents while expressing strong discontent with the delay in hearing appeals filed by former prime minister Imran Khan and his spouse, Bushra Bibi, against their conviction in various cases.

Following Monday's hearing of the iddat case involving Imran and Bushra, PTI Secretary of Information Raoof Hassan asserted that the government, acting under powerful influences, is attempting to manipulate the Constitution.

He cited plans to allow a fixed term of three years for Chief Justice of Pakistan Qazi Faez Isa and pledged the PTI's parliamentary efforts to prevent such a move. Referring to the Bahawalnagar incident, Hassan lamented the escalation of conflict between two state institutions.

He questioned who would address the grievances of the PTI members affected by the May 9 incident, emphasizing the need to end these tactics that weaken the country.
Critiquing the Foreign Office's statement on the Iran-Israel conflict, Hassan lambasted the government's perceived reluctance to mention Israel by name.

He also expressed frustration over what he described as deliberate tactics to prolong court proceedings involving Imran and Bushra. He underscored the adverse effects of such delays on the state and the judicial system, stating, "There is no end to the decline when the state suffers."

Naeem Haider Panjhota, a member of PTI's legal team, echoed concerns over the use of delaying tactics. He stressed the necessity of a fair and expeditious trial, highlighting the personal toll on individuals like Bushra Bibi, who missed celebrating Eid at home due to the delays.

Panjhota questioned Khawar Maneka’s lawyer Rizwan Abbasi’s behavior during the iddat case proceedings and his sudden departure from the court at a crucial moment.
He alleged that Abbasi, known for extensive arguments during previous trials, was now attempting to delay the case under the pretext of being unprepared.

Panjhota pointed out that Imran Khan was sentenced in three cases within five days and questioned when justice would be served, as Abbasi succeeded in postponing the hearing once more.

He alleged that the court appeared to be under pressure yet again. He also highlighted the unresolved issue of Bushra Bibi's endoscopy and Imran Khan's medical examination, with several pending applications in court for their medical check-ups.