PTI leader accuses Centre of subjecting Pakhtuns to injustice

PESHAWAR: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader and Member National Assembly (MNA) from Peshawar Arbab Sher Ali on Friday asked the federal government and other institutions to stop injustice against the Pakhtuns.

Speaking at a press conference, he criticised the treatment of PTI supporters during the protest in Islamabad on November 24.PTI Peshawar district president Irfan Saleem and Insaf Lawyers Forum provincial general secretary Ali Zaman were also present.

Sher Ali condemned the use of force at D-Chowk on the night of November 25, describing it as “brutal and unacceptable.”The MNA alleged that after the crackdown, a targeted campaign began against Pakhtuns in Rawalpindi, Islamabad, and Attock. “Thousands of innocent Pakhtuns, including street vendors, vegetable sellers, security guards, and drivers, who have no affiliation with PTI, are currently detained in various police stations,” he claimed.

He said that these individuals were being punished under the pretext of being PTI workers, which had sparked outrage among the Pakhtuns.“Pakhtuns never forget injustices, no matter how much time passes. They always hold oppressors accountable,” he said, adding the continued grievances could turn into hatred against institutions.

Irfan Saleem criticized the silence of so-called nationalist and political leaders over what he termed “oppressive actions by the Punjab government and Mohsin Naqvi” against the Pakhtuns.

He stated that those who remained quiet were as complicit in the oppression of Pakhtuns as Mohsin Naqvi, the Punjab government, or the establishment.Irfan Saleem condemned the “drama staged” at the Governor’s House the previous day, accusing its actors of failing even to acknowledge or condemn the injustices faced by Pakhtuns.

Ali Zaman highlighted the efforts ILF lawyers were making to secure the release of both detained Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf workers and innocent Pakhtuns. He said they were working in Rawalpindi, Islamabad, and Attock to secure the release of all detainees.