PTI criticizes institutional interference in politics

Omar Ayub says sole individual calling the shots


News Desk May 23, 2024
Opposition Leader in National Assembly Omar Ayub Khan speaking to the media outside Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi on Thursday, May 23, 2024. SCREENGRAB

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RAWALPINDI:

PTI Secretary General and Opposition Leader in the National Assembly Omar Ayub on Thursday said an institution should not “interfere” in politics as it was harming the country.

“Law enforcement agencies cannot wear the mantle of the State,” he said accompanied by other PTI leaders including its information secretary Raoof Hasan outside Rawalpindi’s Adiala Jail after they met with the party’s founding chairman and former premier, Imran Khan.

He recalled that in December 1971, Pakistan was divided into two parts and that decision was of Gen Yahya Khan.

“Today again a sole individual is making all the decisions and this too will have its disadvantages.”

Ayub warned that if PTI leaders Hammad Azhar and Mian Aslam Iqbal were arrested, the party would condemn the move in parliament.

He added that the party would also stage “peaceful” countrywide protests if the two party leaders were rounded up.

“We will not accept any statement taken from Mian Aslam Iqbal under duress.”

Read Judicial body should probe Raoof Hasan attack: PTI

Ayub advised the two PTI leaders to complete the legal process and lead the party.

The opposition leader maintained that Imran’s wife, Bushra Bibi, had nothing to do with politics but still she was punished.

“Let me clarify that the PTI founder’s wife is not his weakness.”

Ayub maintained that the Islamabad police had searched the UN delegation at the PTI’s secretariat when they conducted a raid there and that was witnessed by everybody.

He added that the UN had mentioned the Islamabad police’s raid in its report.

The opposition leader further said there was no warrant to raid the PTI’s secretariat.

Talking about the recent attack on Hasan in the federal capital allegedly by members of the transgender community, Ayub said the responsibility for the incident fell on the Islamabad police chief, SSP operations, and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi.

Ayub also said the Punjab police chief was a “lackey” as well as a “cruel” person. “We will take legal action against him.”

The PTI leader claimed that the ship of Pakistan's economy was sinking.

He noted that the interest rate was not reducing.

“The wheat [import] scandal was worth Rs450 billion and the country’s farmers suffered.”
Ayub held the “bogus Form-47” government responsible for the current situation of the country.

"On December 16, 1971, Pakistan was divided into two parts due to General Yahya Khan's decision. Today, we still see individual decisions being made, which will have similar consequences. The current government, which I call 'Form 47', is responsible for the present situation in Pakistan."

Ayub also warned of repercussions if party members Hammad Azhar and Mian Aslam Iqbal are arrested. "If Hammad Azhar and Mian Aslam Iqbal are detained, we will condemn it in the assembly.

We will organise peaceful protests across Pakistan. We will not accept any statements taken under pressure from Mian Aslam Iqbal… Hammad Azhar and Mian Aslam Iqbal should complete their legal processes and lead the party."

 

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