ISLAMABAD: National Assembly (NA) Speaker Ayaz Sadiq has demanded the immediate release of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) lawmakers who were arrested from within the Parliament’s premises. Addressing Islamabad Inspector General (IG) of Police Syed Ali Nasir Rizvi, Speaker Sadiq stated, “You cannot arrest anyone from the Parliament House or lodges. These parliamentarians should be released immediately.”
Condemnation of Arrests
Speaker Sadiq expressed his dismay over the incident, particularly after witnessing footage of PTI leader Sher Afzal Marwat’s arrest. He questioned IG Rizvi, “What way was it to arrest a parliamentarian?” He assured that he would not remain silent on the arrests and planned to take action. Sadiq has summoned the leadership of all political parties to discuss the incident and stressed the need for a serious review of the matter. He also called for a case to be filed against those involved in the arrests.
PTI’s Response
PTI leader Ali Muhammad Khan delivered a fiery speech in the NA, condemning the treatment of fellow members, including Aamir Dogar, Sheikh Waqas, Maulana Naseem, Sher Afzal Marwat, and Jamshed Dasti, who had taken shelter in the Parliament the previous night. Drawing a parallel with the controversial events of May 9, Khan stated, “What happened on May 9 was wrong, but last night was the May 9 of democracy.” He emphasized that his protest was for democracy, not just for his party or its founder, Imran Khan.
Khan also questioned the actions of the authorities, asking, “Who were those masked people who took our people from the Parliament?” He called for the imposition of Article 6 against those who stormed the Parliament, asserting that the episode would be remembered as a “dark chapter in the democratic history of Pakistan.”
Defence Minister’s Remarks
Defence Minister Khawaja Asif responded to the criticism by highlighting the inflammatory nature of the remarks made at the PTI rally, which he claimed challenged Pakistan’s integrity, unity, and federation. Asif specifically condemned the remarks of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, who had threatened an attack on Punjab and made derogatory comments about women, political leaders, and journalists. He described September 8 as a “black day” in the country’s history due to Gandapur’s speech.
Asif accused PTI of undermining democracy and Parliament, citing the party’s avoidance of dialogue and alleged attempts to gain power through backdoor means. He also pointed out that during the PTI’s rule, the party targeted defence installations, including memorials of martyrs, and failed to strengthen democratic institutions.
Heated Exchange
Asif’s remarks prompted protests from PTI lawmakers Ali Muhammad Khan and Shandana Gulzar Khan, leading to a heated exchange. Asif rebuked the PTI for staging drama and reiterated his earlier criticisms, referencing the imposition of Article 6 against him by the PTI government. Addressing Shandana, Asif dismissively said, “I don’t want to talk to you or you’ll complain you are a woman.” This further inflamed tensions, with Khan retorting that Asif should mind his manners, to which Asif sarcastically replied, “I learnt these manners from you.”
Context of the Arrests
The arrests of PTI leaders, including Chairman Barrister Gohar Khan and lawmaker Marwat, occurred following the PTI’s Sunday power show in the capital. The Islamabad police accused the PTI lawmakers of violating the newly enacted Peaceful Assembly and Public Order Bill, 2024, and clashing with police personnel. Heavy police contingents were deployed outside the parliament, and all entry and exit routes to the Red Zone were closed, except for Margala Road.
Conclusion
The incident has sparked significant controversy, with Speaker Ayaz Sadiq’s demands for the release of PTI lawmakers highlighting the tensions between the government and the opposition. The events underscore the ongoing struggle for political power in Pakistan and the challenges facing its democratic institutions.
