Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Information Advisor Barrister Saif has launched a scathing criticism of the federal government, accusing it of undermining democratic institutions and press freedom.
“The grave they dig for the media will ultimately be theirs,” Saif said in a statement Thursday.
He argued that the government’s refusal to create a judicial commission was proof of its “illegitimate and unelected” nature.
He further claimed that the ruling coalition was preparing to flee in the face of documented demands from the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI).
Saif also said the government was introducing new laws aimed at eliminating the judiciary, media and political opposition.
He described Parliament as being reduced to a “rubber stamp” under the current regime.
Referring to the proposed amendments to the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA), Saif reiterated his assertion that the administration’s crackdown on dissent would eventually backfire.
He criticized the role of President Ayaz Sadiq, predicting future regrets for what he called “undemocratic actions.”
Saif warned that the government’s avoidance of negotiations could push the opposition into the streets.
He also alleged that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif was using the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa governor to orchestrate political actions against the provincial government.
PTI blocks negotiations on judicial commission
Tempers appear to be flaring again as the formation of a judicial commission remains the sticking point between the government and the opposition Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party, with the latter asserting that there is no will have more talks with the ruling alliance if the commission is not established.
The PTI statement comes soon after government negotiating committee spokesperson Irfan Siddiqui announced that the opposition party would be informed in writing about the government’s response on January 28. He added that no decision had yet been made regarding the formation of a judicial commission.
The former ruling party demands the formation of a judicial commission to investigate the incidents of May 9, 2023 and November 26, 2024. It further calls for the release of all political prisoners, including the party’s founder , Imran Khan.
Addressing a press conference in the federal capital on Wednesday, PTI leader Omar Ayub reiterated that there would be no fourth round of talks with the government negotiating team unless the commission judicial is formed. He was flanked by lawyer Gohar Ali Khan, PTI president, and other party leaders.
“The third round of talks with the government is over. The government had promised to hold a meeting with the PTI (founder) president (Imran Khan). We have requested it several times, but the government has not managed to facilitate the meeting,” says Ayub. “If the commission is not formed in accordance with our request, there will be no further negotiations [with the government]”, he added.
Earlier, the government’s negotiating committee had convened a meeting in the Speaker’s Hall of the National Assembly to deliberate on the PTI’s demands.
Later, speaking to the media, Irfan Siddiqui said the commission had sought detailed legal opinions on the PTI’s demands. He added that consultations would continue on Thursday (today) and Friday (tomorrow).
“We will provide a written response to the PTI on January 28. However, no decision has been taken yet regarding the formation of a judicial commission,” Siddiqui said.
He noted that the consultation process would continue and several issues would be examined.
Ijazul Haq, a member of the government’s negotiating team, told reporters that the committee was still working on the PTI letter outlining its demands. “We have thoroughly considered every point raised by the PTI. However, no final decision has been taken yet and the response is still pending,” Haq said.
Meanwhile, Defense Minister Khawaja Asif criticized the PTI for its demand to form a judicial commission.
Speaking to media outside Parliament, the defense minister said those involved in the May 9 incidents had already been convicted. He asks what other investigations the judicial commission will carry out.
He criticized the PTI, accusing the party’s supporters of inciting unrest via social media.
