The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has called for a review of state policies and criticized the tendency to label dissent as anti-state, warning that such actions fuel conflicts and lawlessness.
Reacting to the press conference of the Pakistan Army spokesperson, the party leadership termed it a ‘traditional and unchanged stance’ and stressed the need for freedom of expression and constitutional justice.
In a detailed press release, PTI Central Secretary for Information Sheikh Waqas Akram criticized the use of military courts in judicial matters and warned of its harmful effects on the constitutional system.
He stressed that justice should be administered transparently and independently, free from preconceived notions or external pressure, while the world recognizes the decisions of independent constitutional courts rather than those of military courts.
In the press release, the PTI leader also condemned the ‘attack on democratic rights’ including the road closures and arrests of peaceful protesters.
He questioned that peaceful protest is a constitutional right of every political party, so why are roads closed under Article 245 and why are unarmed workers being arrested?
Regarding May 9, Sheikh Waqas Akram said that this issue cannot be resolved through press conferences or rhetoric.
He demanded a high-level independent judicial investigation based on credible evidence including CCTV footage and said that ‘intimidation and threats’ is not the solution to this issue.
The press release blamed poor state policies and narratives for the current chaos in the country.
Waqas Akram stressed on a fundamental change in the thinking and behavior of the state, saying that the unrealistic and divisive approach of the state is creating a conflict between institutions and the people.
The PTI leader said that the country and its 240 million people are suffering due to the wrong priorities of the state machinery. He urged the government to focus on addressing public grievances and promoting unity instead of relying on heavy-handed tactics.
