Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly passes resolution against army’s intervention in politics
By Abdus Sattar Ghazali
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly Tuesday approved a resolution against Army’s interference in the politics. The resolution came in the aftermath of apparent detention of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur who was detained for several hours by the intelligence agencies of the army in Islamabad on Monday.
On Monday night, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) lawyer Naeem Haider Panjutha said that the CM had been missing since 7pm and the Advocate General KPK will file a petition in the Islamabad High Court tomorrow for his recovery.
PTI MPA Meena Khan Afridi also said that “party leadership, KPK cabinet members and the CM’s family members” were not able to contact Gandapur for six to seven hours.
MPA Sher Ali Afridi presented a resolution against the army interference in politis. Here is the text of the resolution passed with 80 yes votes against 12 no votes:
This house demands that every government institution should work under the constitutional and legal limitations. However, during the last two years interference by certain military officers is a violation of their oath and comes under treason, according to the constitution article.
This house strongly demands that in accordance with the army regulations, action should be taken against such officers; they should be court marshaled; given severe punishment and they should be prevented from taking actions in violation of constitution and law.
This house appreciates the great sacrifices of the army, however, the self interest, arrogance and prestige of few officers has caused irreparable damage and still it continues.
This house strongly demands that those few army officers, who are involved in politics, should stay away. Strict action should be taken against them and politics should be cleansed from Army intervention so that our country should continue on the path of development.
This house strongly condemns the action against the PTI leadership and its workers.
This house strongly demands that the PTI leadership arrested illegally and against the constitution, should be released honorably otherwise these few Army officers will be responsible for the situation.
The Federal government is responsible for the shameful attack on the National Assembly. All responsible people, including the Prime Minister who is standing on the crutches of deceit, are responsible to answer under the constitution and law.
This house fully recognizes the great struggle of Imran Khan and demands his immediate release.
Anadolu Agency – September 10, 2024
At least 11 PTI MNAs arrested; Intelligence agencies raid National Assembly
Islamuddin Sajid and Aamir Latif
Pakistani police late Monday evening arrested several opposition lawmakers from the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) of jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan on the premises of parliament, the party said.
The arrests of opposition lawmakers came a day after the PTI held a massive public rally in Islamabad's outskirts to demand Khan's release and the "return of seats won" by the party in the Feb. 8 general elections, which it claimed were rigged, accusing the country's electoral authority of manipulating results.
On Monday evening, Islamabad police spokesman Jawad Taqi told reporters that Barrister Gohar Khan, the PTI's current chairman since Khan is in jail, and several other lawmakers were arrested near the parliament's main entrance.
The PTI later issued a statement saying some of its lawmakers, including Zain Qureshi, and Sheikh Waqas Akram, were arrested on the parliament premises.
Local broadcasters aired footage showing policemen pushing Sher Afzal Marwat, a flamboyant PTI lawmaker, toward a security vehicle as soon as he exited parliament.
Opposition leader in the National Assembly Omar Ayub Khan in a separate statement claimed that some masked men entered the parliament building to arrest lawmakers of his party.
"4 Vigo dallas (vehicles) with masked men have entered the precincts of the National Assembly to arrest PTI MNAs (members of National Assembly). Electricity has just been shut off in the National Assembly building. This is totally against all laws and rules of the National Assembly," he stated on X.
The police have filed several cases against PTI leaders and activists for clashing with police, inciting violence, and breaking the law during the Sunday rally in the capital.
The PTI claimed that the government had "launched a midnight raid on parliament, ruthlessly targeting" its members.
"This cowardly act, executed in the dead of night, flagrantly violates parliamentary rules and democratic principles... Their brazen attack not only desecrates the sanctity of the Parliament but reveals their deep-seated contempt for the rule of law and their readiness to undermine democracy through sheer brutality," the party said on X.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned some PTI leaders' hard-hitting speeches at the rally.
Speaking to ruling alliance lawmakers in Islamabad on Monday, he said the PTI leaders made "disgusting" speeches at Sunday's rally, which is "condemnable," according to a statement issued by his office.
Khan, 72, is currently detained at Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi, a garrison city in northeastern Pakistan, and is seeking bail in a variety of cases ranging from corruption to terrorism.
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The Journal of America Team:
Editor in chief:
Abdus Sattar Ghazali
Senior Editor:
Prof. Arthur Scott
Special Correspondent
Maryam Turab
