PTI Leaders Demand Justice and Accountability, Question Denial of Access to Imran Khan
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leaders have criticized the ongoing denial of a meeting with their party chairman, Imran Khan, despite active discussions around negotiations. They demanded accountability for the November 26 incidents and vowed to seek justice for the bloodshed, according to Express News.
During a press conference on Tuesday, PTI leaders, including Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan, Omar Ayub, Salman Akram Raja, and Shibli Faraz, called for transparency and accountability. They dismissed allegations that delays in the Al-Qadir Trust case stemmed from a potential deal, describing the case as baseless and emphasizing that witnesses had confirmed Imran Khan’s innocence.
Barrister Gohar highlighted PTI’s willingness to engage in dialogue, despite facing over 200 cases against its leadership. He criticized the unjust confiscation of PTI’s electoral symbol and the reversal of the party’s victories. He also demanded action against violence targeting PTI workers, many of whom remain missing.
Gohar reiterated that further negotiations would only proceed if Imran Khan was allowed to meet party leaders, stressing that the discussions aimed to benefit the people, not strike political deals.
Omar Ayub, PTI’s opposition leader in the National Assembly, condemned the government’s lack of response to their request for a meeting with Imran Khan. He called for an independent judicial commission to investigate the events of May 9 and November 26, praising Imran Khan for forgiving his oppressors.
Ayub also criticized the current economic crisis, pointing out the loss of $14 billion in two years and the collapse of the large-scale manufacturing sector. He argued that without reviving the manufacturing sector, the economy could not recover.
Salman Akram Raja, PTI’s General Secretary, reaffirmed Imran Khan’s resolve to remain the last person to seek personal relief from jail, prioritizing the release of other prisoners. He emphasized PTI’s commitment to justice for the bloodshed and the establishment of a welfare state, while questioning the sincerity of the government’s intentions in negotiations.
Raja demanded investigations into the November 26 events and the February 8 election controversies, warning that continued disregard for democratic principles would harm the country’s future.
Senator Shibli Faraz stressed the importance of constitutional supremacy for national progress. He criticized the delay in the Al-Qadir Trust case verdict, asserting that it unfairly targeted charitable work and pointing out the lack of personal gain for Imran Khan or Bushra Bibi from the trust.
Faraz expressed concern over PTI’s denied right to fair trials, warning that sidelining the country’s largest political party could lead to further instability. He concluded by urging adherence to the constitution and rule of law to ensure justice and national progress.
