PTI slams digital bill, 'hasty' lawmaking

PTI leader Omar Ayub Khan has criticised the Digital Nation Pakistan Bill, warning that the legislation could pave the way for the suppression of voices advocating for constitutional rights.

Speaking to the media alongside Barrister Gohar Khan and other PTI members on Wednesday, the NA opposition leader warned that the bill's passage would grant access to sensitive data, adding that it could lead to actions against those supporting constitutional supremacy.

"Poverty, inflation, and unemployment are at their peak, and citizens are suffering immensely," he added.

Barrister Gohar lamented the lack of proper legislative deliberation in Pakistan, claiming that laws are passed in mere minutes.

"In 88 days of parliamentary sessions, no meaningful discussions on legislation occurred. Globally, lawmaking is a thoughtful process,

but here, 10-minute approvals have become the norm," he added.

Regarding the ongoing talks with the government, Omar Ayub stressed that the third round of negotiations with the government has been completed, but no progress has been made on meeting PTI's demands.

"The government promised a meeting with PTI founder Imran Khan, but they have failed to arrange it. If a judicial commission is not established, there will be no further negotiations," he said. He also criticised the handling of the Al-Qadir Trust case, denouncing it as "baseless" and accusing the judiciary of being under undue pressure.

PTI leader Aamir Dogar expressed concern over the treatment of party workers. He said that 700 workers were brought to an anti-terrorism court under inhumane conditions, packed into vans far beyond capacity. "Over 3,000 of our workers are imprisoned and are being denied their rights under the jail manual," he said.

Ali Muhammad Khan accused the judiciary of bias, pointing to the trial and sentencing of former prime minister Imran Khan.