MPAs slam 'institutional interference'

PTI lawmakers say their principles will not be compromised in democratic struggle

PESHAWAR:

Lawmakers belonging to the PTI delivered fiery speeches in the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Assembly for the second consecutive day on Wednesday, defending their party's policies and condemning the interference of institutions in politics.

The ruling party members of Provincial Assembly (MPAs) made it clear that they would continue their struggle for democracy and the rule of law and never compromise on those principles.

MPA Shakeel Khan, who addressed the assembly for the first time after being removed from the provincial cabinet, did not focus on personal matters, but instead spoke on the ongoing topic. He took pride in speaking in his native Pashto language.

Khan criticised the political role of the establishment since the creation of Pakistan in 1947. He mentioned the interference of people like Yahya Khan and Ziaul Haq. He cited historical incidents such as attack on the country's supreme institution on September 9 and rejection of Sheikh Mujib's mandate.

Khan highlighted that Pakistan could not even formulate its own budget or policies independently. He called for unity between the opposition and the treasury to curb interference in politics, noting that no single political group could do it alone.

Malik Liaqat Ali praised the law and order during the PTI's tenure and stressed that every institution should stay within its domain to ensure the country's progress.

He lamented the country's debt burden. He insisted that the mandate the PTI received was for true freedom, not merely for uplift projects.

Shafiullah Khan expressed concerns over the country's economic crisis and unemployment, noting that his party had never been against the army, but opposed its interference in politics. He condemned the arrests of the PTI members from parliament, calling the September 9 incident a dark day.

Abdul Ghani supported Chief Minister Ali Amin's stance, and refused to apologise for his September 8 speech. He believed that those who interfered in politics should apologise, and reiterated his loyalty to PTI leader Imran Khan.

Shafi Jan criticised injustices and oppression in the country, warning that people would not tolerate such a state of affairs any longer. He hinted at further protests, stating that September 8 was "just a trailer", and the PTI would bring its full force to Lahore on September 22.

He rejected closed-door decisions and condemned the arrests of PTI leaders following their protests. In conclusion, the PTI members reiterated their commitment to fighting for true freedom, democracy, and the rule of law, with repeated calls for unity to end political interference.