- Treasury and Opp parties unite in condemning PTI chief Imran Khan and PAT chief Tahirul Qadri
- PML-Q lawmakers also voice criticism over Chaudhry Shujaat and Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi’s decision to support Qadri’s ‘Inqilab’ March
The opposition and treasury benches on Monday adopted a joint resolution in the Balochistan Assembly condemning the ‘Azadi’ and ‘Inqilab’ marches led by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and Pakistan Awami Tehreek (PAT), respectively.
Legislators from Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid (PML-Q), whose leaders flanked Dr Tahirul Qadri during his ‘Inqilab’ March, also voted in support of the resolution.
Balochistan Governor Muhammad Khan Achakzai had convened the assembly session on the request of members to discuss the prevailing political unrest in the country.
Senior Minister Sanaullah Zehri, who belongs to ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz, tabled the resolution that was adopted by the House after fierce speeches were made against PTI Chief Imran Khan and Tahirul Qadri.
“We will resist every unconstitutional move,” Zehri said while commenting on the feasibility of the resolution.
The ruling National Party, Pashtunkhwa Milli Awami Party, PML-N, PML-Q, opposition parties including JUI-F and ANP also supported the resolution, which called for defending the supremacy of parliament, constitution and rule of law in the country.
“Our leaders are dancing on other’s drums,” Mir Karim Nowsherwani, a PML-Q legislator.
Baloch and Pashtun nationalist political parties in Balochistan Assembly lashed out at the ongoing marches in Islamabad and vowed to defend state institutions.
“We stand for democracy and constitution in the country,” Balochistan Chief Minister Dr Abdul Malik Baloch said.
Some members demanded the government impose a ban on the entry of the PTI chief and Tahirul Qadri in Balochistan.
“The government must bar the entry of Imran Khan to Balochistan,” Shahida Rauf, a female legislator from JUI-F said.
PTI has no representation in the Balochistan Assembly, therefore, Imran Khan’s decision to tender resignations would have no impact on the provincial assembly.
Opposition and treasury members urged the federal government to take strict action against those violating the law in Islamabad.
“The federal government must ensure the rule of law,” Opposition leader Maulana Wasey told a press conference after the assembly session.
He said despite all differences with the ruling party, JUI-F would stand by the constitution and that nobody would be allowed to undermine democracy in the country.