Rental power case: PPP protests across K-P, FATA against SC order

Enraged activists allege the verdict is an attempt to disrupt democracy.

PESHAWAR: Hundreds of Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) workers protested across the province a day after the Supreme Court ordered the arrests of Prime Minister Raja Pervaiz Ashraf and 15 others accused of corruption in the rental power projects case. 

Addressing Peoples Youth Organisation (PYO) activists outside the Mardan Press Club, PYO President Jamil Iqbal said: “This is a conspiracy against democracy and we will not let it be derailed.”

A demonstration was also held outside Degree College (Boys) Takht Bhai by Peoples Students Federation (PSF) members who held placards inscribed with “save democracy” and vowed their loyalties with the president and prime minister.



Condemning the court’s orders, Takht Bhai PSF President Salman Khan said the court should take back its decision, otherwise the PSF will hold nationwide protests. “There are hundreds of corrupt politicians in Pakistan, why is only the PPP under constant scrutiny from the Supreme Court?”

Timergara

Over 200 PSF members gathered at Timergara Press Club in Lower Dir and criticised the court’s verdict.

PSF Lower Dir Chapter General Secretary Alamzeb Khan Utmanzai, while addressing the students and local activists of the Pakistan Peoples Party, said the SC convicted former PM Yousaf Raza Gilani and issued arrest orders for the second one too. “The judiciary is trying to ambush democracy as they cannot see it flourish,” he said, adding that the decision was taken in the interest of dictators. The demonstrators dispersed after an hour of protesting.



Ghallanai

In Mohmand Agency, activists led by Fata PPP Vice President Jangrez Khan held a protest in Ghallanai where a large number of people participated.

The rally started from Ghallanai Bazaar and concluded at Mohmand Press Club. The protesters chanted slogans against Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry and condemned his decision. “The judiciary has become a party against the PPP and is working against democracy,” said Khan.

PPP tribal leaders also criticised the ruling. But MNA Akhunzada Chattan from Bajaur Agency said even though they do not agree with it, they respect the court’s orders and will obey it.

Karak 

A large number of PYO activists protested in Sadam Chowk of Karak district and ignited tyres on the road, blocking traffic.

“The conspirators do not want a democratic government to complete its full term,” alleged PYO President Balaqyaz Khan Khattak.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 17^th, 2013.