ANP lashes out: ‘PTI will be responsible for martial law’
Ghulam Ahmed Bilour claims Imran Khan staged sit-in after PM refused to extend COAS’ tenure.
PESHAWAR:
Awami National Party (ANP) Senior Vice President Haji Ghulam Ahmed Bilour on Saturday said Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf would be responsible if martial law was imposed in the country.
Speaking to journalists at his residence in the provincial capital, Bilour claimed some elements were striving towards martial law. He said Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf Chairman Imran Khan and his allies would be responsible if such plans materialise.
“We do not support martial law and neither do we accept it. In fact, our struggle is for democracy in Pakistan.” Bilour said.
The former federal minister expressed his resentment over the increasing political polarisation of the country, alleging that certain circles were trying to disrupt the democratic process.
“We will not tolerate efforts aimed at derailing democracy,” he remarked, saying the party would not accept any constitution introduced under a military government.
Responding to a question, the seasoned politician said, “Political polarisation is being sponsored and dictated by those who have long been trying to derail the democratic process at the behest of others.” He made it clear that nobody apart from Pakistan Tehreek–e-Insaf Chairman Imran Khan and his aides would be responsible for derailing the democratic process.
The ANP leader reaffirmed his party’s faith in democracy, the supremacy of the Constitution and Parliament.
He recalled that military governments caused huge problems in the past and dictators almost never fulfilled their promises to the people.
Elaborating on his point of view, Haji Ghulam Ahmad Bilour recalled military dictator Ziaul Haq introduced the heroin and Kalashnikov culture to the country, whereas militancy and terrorism were ‘gifts’ left behind by Musharraf.
“Only democratic governments are capable of running the affairs of the country according to the expectations of the people.”
The ANP leader suspected the involvement of a hidden power behind the ongoing protests and politics of confrontation. The ANP leader alleged Imran Khan staged his Islamabad sit-in when Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif refused to extend the tenures of two military generals, including the former chief of army staff (COAS).
Haji Ghulam Ahmad Bilour said anti-democratic forces were not only trying to derail the democratic process, but were also making a bid to harm the Constitution. He added the 18th and 19th amendments were passed after a tremendous struggle and brought the Constitution back to its original shape.
He said the actions of Imran Khan and PTI were detrimental to the very interests of the federation as the imposition of martial law could put the future of the country at stake. He felt the PTI chief was clearly confused as he kept on changing his statements and actions.
Published in The Express Tribune, November 30th, 2014.
Awami National Party (ANP) Senior Vice President Haji Ghulam Ahmed Bilour on Saturday said Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf would be responsible if martial law was imposed in the country.
Speaking to journalists at his residence in the provincial capital, Bilour claimed some elements were striving towards martial law. He said Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf Chairman Imran Khan and his allies would be responsible if such plans materialise.
“We do not support martial law and neither do we accept it. In fact, our struggle is for democracy in Pakistan.” Bilour said.
The former federal minister expressed his resentment over the increasing political polarisation of the country, alleging that certain circles were trying to disrupt the democratic process.
“We will not tolerate efforts aimed at derailing democracy,” he remarked, saying the party would not accept any constitution introduced under a military government.
Responding to a question, the seasoned politician said, “Political polarisation is being sponsored and dictated by those who have long been trying to derail the democratic process at the behest of others.” He made it clear that nobody apart from Pakistan Tehreek–e-Insaf Chairman Imran Khan and his aides would be responsible for derailing the democratic process.
The ANP leader reaffirmed his party’s faith in democracy, the supremacy of the Constitution and Parliament.
He recalled that military governments caused huge problems in the past and dictators almost never fulfilled their promises to the people.
Elaborating on his point of view, Haji Ghulam Ahmad Bilour recalled military dictator Ziaul Haq introduced the heroin and Kalashnikov culture to the country, whereas militancy and terrorism were ‘gifts’ left behind by Musharraf.
“Only democratic governments are capable of running the affairs of the country according to the expectations of the people.”
The ANP leader suspected the involvement of a hidden power behind the ongoing protests and politics of confrontation. The ANP leader alleged Imran Khan staged his Islamabad sit-in when Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif refused to extend the tenures of two military generals, including the former chief of army staff (COAS).
Haji Ghulam Ahmad Bilour said anti-democratic forces were not only trying to derail the democratic process, but were also making a bid to harm the Constitution. He added the 18th and 19th amendments were passed after a tremendous struggle and brought the Constitution back to its original shape.
He said the actions of Imran Khan and PTI were detrimental to the very interests of the federation as the imposition of martial law could put the future of the country at stake. He felt the PTI chief was clearly confused as he kept on changing his statements and actions.
Published in The Express Tribune, November 30th, 2014.