PTI leaders for elections to pull country out of crises

PESHAWAR: Opposition Leader in the National Assembly Omar Ayub Khan and former Speaker Asad Qaiser on Wednesday criticised the government’s handling of recent political gatherings and called for immediate elections, citing the deteriorating economic and security conditions in the country.

Omar Ayub, speaking to the media outside the Peshawar High Court, condemned the government’s actions on September 8, when roads were blocked and PTI supporters were told to disperse by 7:00 pm. “This isn’t a wedding hall that would be closed at a specific time,” Omar Ayub remarked.

Omar Ayub dismissed the cases related to May 9 incidents as “false and fabricated,” arguing that they were merely an excuse to imprison PTI Chairman Imran Khan. He alleged that on September 9, masked individuals entered parliament and arrested PTI MNAs, including Barrister Gohar, Sher Afzal Marwat, Zain Qureshi and others. “We strongly condemn these actions and question why Speaker Ayaz Sadiq allowed the police to enter parliament,” Ayub stated, demanding that FIRs be lodged against senior officials responsible for the orders, not lower-level staff.

Former speaker Asad Qaiser also addressed the media, stating that there was currently no legitimate constitutional government in place. He condemned the arrests of PTI leaders inside parliament, calling it an unprecedented violation of the country’s legal and constitutional framework.

The PTI leaders announced a peaceful protest scheduled for Friday, calling for adherence to democratic processes and fresh elections.