Sindh Assembly passes resolution against PTI, PAT sit-ins

The resolution condemned the anti-parliamentary remarks made by PTI chief Imran Khan and PAT leader Tahirul Qadri.

KARACHI:

The Sindh Assembly unanimously passed a resolution expressing concern over the sit-ins in Islamabad, terming the demands of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI) and Pakistan Awami Tehreek (PAT) illegal and unconstitutional and saying that they were conspiring against the democracy, Constitution and the people of Pakistan.

The resolution, moved by Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz MPA Sorath Thebo, condemned the anti-parliamentary remarks made by PTI chief Imran Khan and PAT leader Tahirul Qadri. "Being a custodian and a guardian of democracy and the Constitution, this house fully supports and will stand by the democracy and the rule of law at any cost," it said, supporting the incumbent government. Thebo alleged that their 'dharna' politics was part of the 'London plan' that had been conceived to derail the democratic government and affect the country's economy under Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif. "Why have they come up with these allegations of rigging a year after the elections?" she said. "They are being used by anti-democratic forces."

Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) MPA Taimour Talpur said although his party did not want to back the PML-N government, it had jumped in to support the parliament. "Imran and Qadri criticise VIP culture but they themselves are living in luxury containers," he added.

Muttahida Qaumi Movement leader Khawaja Izharul Hassan maintained that not all demands presented by PTI and PAT were unconstitutional. "They have raised some genuine issues that must be addressed," he asserted.

Provincial information minister Sharjeel Memon diverted the attention of the house to Imran's controversial personality, calling him an "immature" politician. "Before the general elections, Imran had promised to allot party tickets only to candidates below the age of 35," he said. "But he failed to honour this promise; you can see that in this very assembly, where only one of the four PTI MPAs is younger than 35."

Published in The Express Tribune, September 27^th, 2014.