Islamabad, December 11, 2024: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan has urged the National Assembly to address the political turmoil stemming from the events of May 9 through dialogue and accountability, emphasizing the need to restore stability in the country.
Speaking in the National Assembly, Barrister Gohar declared, “Enough is enough! We demand justice for the injustices we have endured. This parliament must serve as a platform for constructive dialogue. Our decision to form a negotiation committee should not be misconstrued as a sign of weakness.”
He warned that failing to reach a resolution through dialogue would leave the PTI with no choice but to resume street protests.
Barrister Gohar strongly condemned the violence against PTI supporters, claiming they were targeted despite protesting peacefully. “Our supporters were met with brutal oppression. Unarmed protesters were fired upon. Such barbarity is unheard of in other nations. Look at the recent protests in Brazil and elsewhere—did they resort to firing on demonstrators who entered government buildings?” he argued.
Referring to an incident outside parliament, he dismissed Defence Minister Khawaja Asif’s assertion that guards of Ali Amin Gandapur were involved in gunfire. “The government’s denial of using live ammunition against protesters is absurd,” Gohar said.
Addressing accusations of exploiting ethnic sentiments, Gohar firmly rejected claims of using the “Pashtun card.” He stated, “Our protesters were unarmed. If there is evidence of PTI workers using weapons, present it. These baseless allegations are merely an attempt to discredit us.”
He also highlighted PTI’s broad support base, stating, “Our popularity needs no validation. The public’s unwavering support was evident on February 8.”
Meanwhile, PTI MNA Sher Afzal Marwat criticized the government for alleged mistreatment of PTI workers, particularly discriminatory actions against Pashtuns. He questioned the violent crackdown on November 26 protests and decried the targeting of Pashtun communities.
“Why were bullets fired at us on November 26? Pashtuns continue to face systemic discrimination. Even when KP Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur stood by Bushra Bibi till the end, it was our people who were killed, injured, and falsely accused,” Marwat lamented.
