Opposition leader terms Khan's release prime demand

LAHORE:

The Opposition Leader in the Punjab Assembly, Malik Ahmad Khan Bhachar, has said that the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) negotiation committee's primary demand is the release of its founding chairman Imran Khan.

Addressing a news conference here on Monday, Bhachar stated that the ongoing talks with the federal government were driven by a desire to ensure the smooth functioning of the country's system. However, he expressed doubts about sincerity in the dialogue, alleging that the government was simultaneously engaging in oppressive actions in Punjab.

"It is impossible to hold meaningful negotiations while PTI workers face harassment, police raids, and atrocities," he said. Bhachar accused the authorities of conducting repeated raids on the home of PTI Member of Provincial Assembly Qazi Akbar and claimed that party workers were subjected to torture and abductions.

Bhachar criticised the government's treatment of PTI's jailed founding chairman and his family. "For the past year and a half, the imposed government's performance has been reduced to oppressing Imran Khan, his wife Bushra Bibi, and their family. Bushra Bibi has been named in 302 cases," he said.

Referring to the events at D-Chowk on November 26, he warned that the incident could create significant challenges for the government in the future. He questioned the state's actions against PTI protesters, claiming they faced violent repression. "Gunshots and shells were fired at our peaceful protesters, bodies were missing from PIMS Hospital, and journalist Matiullah Jan was abducted. Who gave the order to open fire? These are questions we will continue to ask," he said.

Bhachar also took aim at Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, criticising her recent visit to China. He questioned the outcomes of the trip and dismissed it as superficial. "The visit to China seemed more like a fashion show than an official diplomatic engagement," he remarked.