Rare unity in K-P PA over MNA arrests

Still differ on other issues, particularly language used by Gandapur

PESHAWAR:

The issue of arrest of MNAs from within the Parliament House has united the government and opposition, and put both sides on the same page in the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Assembly.

Opposition members expressed that crying and complaining in the assembly will achieve nothing. They emphasised that the people of this province have other pressing issues, such as law and order, that need attention.

PML-N MPA Muhammad Rashad Khan condemned the arrest of MNAs from parliament and the inappropriate language used during the Islamabad rally, which he deemed against their traditions. He emphasised that being Pashtun is not just about speaking Pashto; there is a philosophy behind the name "Pashtun."

He suggested that government MPAs should undergo training workshops. He also reminded the government that the difficulties they face today were similarly experienced by others in the past, stressing the need for a grand dialogue.

According to him, the anti-establishment narrative has become the most popular slogan in the region, which he described as unfortunate. He asked why the government couldn't present its performance without mentioning institutions, and called for an in-camera session to discuss the current situation.

Also, PML-N leader Jalal Khan expressed confusion over the fiery speeches of government members, stating that they make bold claims in the assembly, but are seen pleading in offices. He urged them to stop this hypocrisy and pick a side.

He criticised them for wasting the assembly's time and called them out for having worked closely with the establishment, mentioning former General Faiz, in whose favor they once sat but now criticise. Jalal Khan also urged the government to prioritise the welfare and development of the province instead of deceiving the public with an anti-establishment narrative.

He criticised the rampant corruption in the province and questioned whether the establishment had ever prevented the government from working on the province's development. Lastly, he challenged the integrity of those standing with the chief minister.

Meanwhile, government MPs continued their criticism of the establishment on the fourth day of the current session. On Friday, when the provincial assembly session, chaired by Speaker Babar Saleem Swati began, MPA Ajmal Khan mentioned that after the successful rally on September 8, a case was filed against the K-P Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur.

He suggested a case should also be filed against the Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Peshawar. He added that the public has entrusted them, and they should be allowed to do their job.