Defense Minister Khawaja Asif delivered a strongly worded speech in the National Assembly where he criticized the recent actions and rhetoric of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party, and questioned PTI’s democratic credentials and condemned the party for its approach to politics.
He questioned the reliance on military involvement in political matters, asking, "Which constitution states that a political person will only talk to the army?"
“There was a detailed discussion on yesterday's events," Asif began, referencing recent developments and criticized the notion that Pakistan's existence is tied to a single individual, asking, and “Can the existence of Pakistan be defined by the existence of a person?"
Asif also condemned inflammatory remarks allegedly made about mobilizing Pashtun forces to attack Punjab, stating, "What will be the result if someone says to invade Punjab?" He highlighted that such statements challenge the constitutional status and unity of the country.
The defense minister expressed shock over the attack on military installations on May 9, when military targets were selected for attacks across the country. "A defense can be claimed after desecration of military targets?" Asif asked, referring to the hypocrisy of those who desecrate yet offer prayers for the fallen.
He further criticized PTI’s response to its leader’s arrest, contrasting it with the imprisonment of his own leader, whose entire family was jailed. "Their chairman is arrested, while my leader was imprisoned along with his entire family," he said, accusing PTI members of having "sold their conscience."
During the speech, Asif sparred with PTI leader Ali Muhammad Khan, accusing him of hypocrisy and recalling the imposition of Article 6 on him by the PTI government. He also accused Khan of lying after reciting religious verses.
Asif said, "I put my foot on their tail and they are shouting," referring to PTI’s reactions to his accusations challenging the notion that without Imran Khan there would be no Pakistan calling such rhetoric dangerous and undemocratic.
‘Pakistan's unity, democratic values challenged’
Khawaja Asif expressed serious concerns over recent challenges to Pakistan’s unity and constitutional framework criticizing Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) for its political actions, stating that the party’s approach was ‘incompatible with democratic values’.
“The day before yesterday, the existence of Pakistan was challenged, and the constitutional status and unity of the country were called into question," Asif remarked.
Asif took a direct aim at PTI's political strategy, suggesting that the party’s DNA is politically flawed. "Look at PTI's struggle to come to power and then lose it—none of it aligns with democratic values," he said. He stressed that the recent incident was not isolated, and the entire House condemns the attacks on the integrity of Pakistan.
The defense minister reiterated his commitment to democratic protest, reflecting on his past experiences as a political worker. He emphasized the importance of safeguarding Pakistan's constitutional and political unity in the face of internal and external challenges.
PPP Naveed Qamar condemns PTI leaders arrest
PPP Naveed Qamar talking to the floor of the House said that the allegations that are being made at the moment was actually a ‘serious matter”.
Referring to the 2014 sit-in by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), Qamar said: “When Ali Muhammad Khan and his colleagues came to the gate of Parliament, we declared it an attack.”
“This has been done by entering the parliament and it's like crossing all the red lines. If you don't take action today, there is no limit to where it will stop tomorrow,” Qamar reminded PPP ally party Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz.\
Azam Nazir Tarar calls for restraint after PTI leaders’ arrest
Law Minister Azam Nazir Tarar called for restraint and emphasized the importance of upholding the rule of law amidst escalating political tensions.
Speaking to the National Assembly, Tarar stressed the need to control emotions and work towards constructive solutions.
"There are brothers on both sides; we have to control our emotions," Tarar remarked, advocating for a measured approach to the current political climate.
He warned against the potential for increased divisiveness, stating, "Poison will be sown, and even flowers that bloom will also be poisonous."
Tarar said: "This House is an issue, and there will be no backtracking on it."
Tarar pledged to address any wrongdoings and work towards resolution. "I will accept the wrong done and correct it," he said.
He also emphasized ongoing efforts to seek solutions by "calling friends in the speaker chamber," indicating a move towards collaborative problem-solving.
Rana Tanveer questions PTI commitment to democracy
Federal Minister Rana Tanveer Hussain during a heated session in the National Assembly delivered a scathing critique of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) questioning the party's commitment to democracy and the rule of law.
Referring to past incidents involving PTI members, he recalled how the dignity of Parliament was compromised.
"Yesterday, when PTI members were attacking Parliament, we had warned them," Hussain said, recalling his prior caution not to take actions that would damage the institution's reputation. "Where was democracy then, when sisters and daughters were being harassed in hotel rooms at midnight?" he questioned, referencing incidents of mistreatment.
Hussain also targeted those within PTI who question the integrity of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. "What kind of democracy do those who call the prime minister dishonest talk about?" he asked.
Addressing the political situation today, Hussain pointed out that had PTI leaders, like Ali Muhammad Khan, been willing to make sacrifices, the political landscape could have been different. "There is still an opportunity today, but they didn’t take it."
He further criticized PTI for ignoring calls from leaders like Asif Zardari and Shehbaz Sharif to engage in dialogue. "Everyone, including Asif Zardari and Shehbaz Sharif, asked them to sit and talk, but they refused."
Highlighting instances where the rule of law was allegedly violated, Hussain asked, "Where was the supremacy of law when Faiz Hameed was being used, and where was the law when 16 kilos of heroin were falsely planted on Rana Sanaullah?"
