Qaisar blasts censorship on PTI Black Day

SWABI:

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) on Friday held a protest demonstration in the Tordher area of Swabi in connection with its observance of "Black Day." Addressing the gathering, PTI leader, Secretary General of Tehreek-e-Tahaffuz-e-Aeen-e-Pakistan, and former Speaker of the National Assembly Asad Qaiser sharply criticized recent constitutional amendments and alleged political censorship.

Asad Qaiser said amendments to the Constitution "have always served powerful individuals rather than the public," alleging that the government was "following the establishment because it knows it has not been elected by the people's vote." Citing an IMF report, he said Pakistan's administrative structure was described as being in "dire condition."

He added that during the PTI government, Pakistan enjoyed bilateral trade with Afghanistan, but "trade has remained suspended for the past 40 days." Qaiser said the party sought peace and employment opportunities, not conflict. Observing "Black Day," he claimed, was meant to highlight that Pakistan was "moving toward a monarchical system," where opposition speeches were being censored inside Parliament.

Qaiser also criticised opposition parties, saying PTI had expected the PPP to oppose the constitutional amendment "in the spirit of Bhutto," but "they too surrendered before it." He alleged that Nawaz Sharif, despite "losing public mandate," was altering laws from within the government.

He said Imran Khan's release was "not difficult," but PTI demanded "justice for Khan." He further claimed that state institutions lacked independence and that the country was "practically under the rule of force." Qaiser urged the judiciary to "stand up for the rule of law and the Constitution" and paid tribute to judges who had resigned. He vowed that PTI would reverse all recent legislation, including "laws restricting media freedom."

Addressing the rally, PTI central leader and MNA Shahram Khan Tarakai also criticised the recent constitutional amendment, claiming it was designed "to strengthen powerful individuals rather than protect ordinary citizens." He questioned why terrorism-related trials of PTI leaders were taking place in Islamabad courts when such trials "had never been held there before."