Lawmakers say they won’t support budget until Imran Khan is allowed to assemble and released
Reconciliation efforts between the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa government and its dissident legislators in the provincial assembly failed as the disgruntled members took a hardline stance and decided not to support the next budget without prior consultation with PTI founder Imran Khan.
At a meeting held in Peshawar, the dissident MPs linked their movement to the campaign for Imran’s release. A statement issued by the group said the participants discussed in detail the current political situation and various other issues during the meeting.
The statement strongly condemns the refusal of a meeting between the founder and his family, calling it a violation of fundamental human rights, the law and the Constitution. “We strongly condemn this decision,” the statement said.
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The dissidents warned that unless a comprehensive and workable strategy is adopted for the former prime minister’s release, the federal government will not allow him to meet his family, lawyers or party leaders, nor will there be any obvious progress in his medical treatment.
“Under the circumstances, all members of the assembly urge and demand that party leaders come forward and take forward the movement for the release of Imran Khan as part of a comprehensive, organized and viable strategy,” the statement said, adding that the current protest process appears disorganized and reflects a lack of seriousness.
The statement hailed the stand taken by Aleema Bibi and KP Chief Minister regarding the new fiscal year’s budget, terming it a positive step that represents the voice of every PTI worker.
“For this reason, today, all members of the assembly clearly and unanimously supported the position that the budget should not be presented in the assembly until the chief minister is allowed to meet leader Imran Khan,” the statement said. “We all remain firm on this position and are prepared to do everything we can to achieve this.”
