Speaking at a press conference alongside leaders of Tehreek-e-Tahaffuz-e-Ain Pakistan on Sunday, Qaiser alleged that the country is currently under “de facto martial law” and that the existing system is “neither constitutional nor legal.”
He claimed a “whisper campaign” was under way about a possible 27th constitutional amendment, adding that the lawyers’ movement would begin opposing it. “We have decided to use every forum, both inside and outside Parliament,” he said.
Addressing speculation that he could become opposition leader, he dismissed the reports, saying he expected PTI’s Omar Ayub to return soon and assume the role.
Qaiser urged that the cases against PTI founder Imran Khan be heard on merit. He criticised the disqualification of the opposition leaders in both houses of Parliament, calling it “a farce.” “Around the world, lawmakers enjoy privileges and can visit prisons. Is it not illegal to bar an assembly member from going to jail?” he asked.
The former speaker accused the administration of pressuring decision-makers, warning that Pakistan was heading towards “severe anarchy.” “If the cases are heard on merit, there is nothing in them,” he added.
Bajwa was appointed COAS by PML-N leader Nawaz Sharif in 2019 and extended by PTI chairman Imran Khan in 2019 – serving the nation as army chief for six years. Qaiser was speaker of the house during the tension, which ended up showing the door to the PTI’s government through vote of no-confidence.
After resisting till the last moment, he handed over the seat to Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N) leader Ayaz Sadiq to proceed with the historic voting that resulted in first time ouster of any prime minister through the constitutional process.