Opposition Leader and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) member Omar Ayub staged a walkout from the National Assembly on Wednesday, calling for the immediate release of party leaders, including PTI chairman Imran Khan, and an end to alleged threats against party members.
The session, led by Deputy Speaker Syed Mir Ghulam Mustafa Shah, faced a disruption when PTI member Iqbal Afridi pointed out a quorum issue, leading to a 15-minute adjournment.
Speaking to reporters, Omar Ayub condemned the government’s actions, stating, “We will not participate in this session until Imran Khan and our workers are freed. The threats to force our members to resign must also cease.” He accused the government of pressuring PTI members in Punjab to vacate their seats.
The walkout gained backing from several opposition parties, excluding Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (F). Ayub warned that PTI members would not return to the assembly until their demands were addressed.
He also criticized the absence of key ministers during the session, questioning their lack of accountability and presence.
Imran Khan Pauses Civil Disobedience Call
PTI chairman Imran Khan has temporarily deferred his planned civil disobedience movement, his sister Aleema Khan revealed on Tuesday. Speaking after meeting Imran at Adiala Jail, she said he had considered urging overseas Pakistanis to halt remittances if his demands were unmet. These demands include a judicial inquiry into the May 9, 2023, and November 26, 2024, incidents and the release of party workers.
“Overseas Pakistanis are ready to stop sending money, but PTI members advised Imran Khan to wait to avoid harm to the country,” Aleema said, adding that Imran remains determined to achieve his objectives.
Earlier, Imran had announced the formation of a five-member committee to negotiate with the government, but federal ministers dismissed the initiative, labeling it insincere and “meaningless.”
During a National Assembly session, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif reiterated that dialogue could not proceed under threats. PTI’s Sher Afzal Marwat, however, stressed the need for national unity and clear terms for negotiations to address the ongoing crisis.
Government representatives, including Rana Sanaullah, emphasized that PTI should engage through formal channels, suggesting the Speaker’s Office as a neutral venue for dialogue.
Khawaja Asif also urged PTI to prioritize goodwill over hostility, stating that threats would only hinder progress. Despite expressing willingness for dialogue, PTI lawmakers condemned the government’s crackdown on party members and protesters, demanding an end to the alleged harassment.
PTI Leaders Raise Concerns Over Forced Resignations
On Tuesday, PTI leader and former National Assembly Speaker Asad Qaiser revealed being pressured to resign. During the assembly session, he criticized the alleged harassment of PTI Members of the National Assembly (MNAs) and claimed raids were being conducted on members’ homes in Punjab.
Qaiser warned that forced resignations would disrupt the assembly’s functioning and questioned the legal basis for the harassment. He urged the special committee formed to address these concerns to take meaningful action.
