ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) has called for a reassessment of state policies and criticized the tendency to label all dissent as anti-state, warning that such actions contribute to conflict and lawlessness.
In response to a press conference by the military spokesperson, PTI leadership dismissed it as “old rhetoric in a new guise,” stressing the importance of freedom of expression and constitutional justice.
PTI’s Central Information Secretary Sheikh Waqqas Akram issued a press release expressing concerns over the use of military courts for judicial matters, warning it could harm the constitutional framework. He emphasized the need for transparent and independent justice, stating that only decisions from independent constitutional courts are recognized globally.
The party condemned the suppression of democratic rights, such as road blockages and arrests of peaceful protesters, questioning why unarmed individuals are detained under Article 245.
Regarding the May 9 events, Akram argued that press conferences and rhetoric would not resolve the issue, calling for a high-level independent judicial inquiry based on credible evidence, including CCTV footage.
PTI held the current chaos in Pakistan responsible for flawed state policies and narratives. Akram stated that the state’s divisive approach is creating conflict between institutions and citizens, urging a shift in the state’s approach.
Acknowledging PTI’s governance in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, he highlighted fiscal discipline and development spending as examples of successful governance. He called for the government to prioritize addressing public grievances and fostering unity, rather than relying on heavy-handed tactics.
Meanwhile, opposition leader Omar Ayub Khan countered the military’s claims, stating that it was former army chief Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa who initiated peace talks with the TTP in 2021. Khan criticized the military spokesperson’s repeated baseless allegations, arguing that they undermine public trust in official communications.
