Shibli Faraz challenges opposition to hold rally in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa

Senate opposition leader also demands judicial inquiry into results of 2018 and 2024 elections

Senate opposition leader Shibli Faraz has thrown down the gauntlet to all political parties, inviting them to hold a rally in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) and promising full support. He assured that all facilities, including financial contributions, would be provided if they accepted the challenge.

Speaking in the Senate on Monday, Faraz criticised the government for blocking roads in Islamabad and surrounding areas during his party’s rally last night. "If you cared about the rights of Islamabad’s citizens, why did you shut the city down with containers? Why block roads leading from Punjab and K-P?" he asked.

He extended the challenge to the opposition parties, including the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N). "I dare all parties to hold a rally in K-P. We’ll give you all the support, and even raise funds for you. But I guarantee, you won’t be able to gather even ten people," he added, emphasising PTI's strength in mobilising public support.

Faraz also demanded a judicial inquiry into the results of the 2018 and 2024 elections, proposing a joint Senate resolution to establish a commission to investigate both.

Addressing the ongoing legislative efforts, he warned, "Today’s law may be against us, but tomorrow it could be against you. The legislation being passed now is anti-people." He urged lawmakers to avoid passing laws they may regret later.

Faraz further criticised the government for economic mismanagement, stating, "Despite manipulating statistics, inflation is not decreasing, and the country is heading towards institutional collapse."

The opposition leader's remarks were met with jeers from government benches, but he stood firm, accusing the ruling party of using state resources to suppress PTI’s political activities.