PTI parliamentary party demands Imran Khan’s release, end to KP governor’s rule
A joint parliamentary party meeting of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) saw heated exchanges and walkouts, but ended with a resolution on party leadership, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), political arrests and constitutional matters.
PTI leader Faisal Amin Khan, brother of Ali Amin Gandapur, left the committee room in anger and slammed the door on his way out. PTI MNA Khawaja Sherazi also left the room. Other members called after him, and he said he would take a call and return, but did not come back.
The seven-hour meeting in Islamabad was attended by more than 70 members, according to PTI Senate parliamentary leader Barrister Ali Zafar.
Speaking to the media afterwards, Barrister Zafar said the parliamentary party would play a full role inside and outside parliament.
He said detailed consultations had been held on the way forward and that the agreed plan would be placed before the opposition leaders.
A committee led by opposition leaders will be formed for the purpose, he added, saying that a complete strategy had been finalised at the meeting.
Demands on PTI founder, detained leaders
The resolution demanded the immediate release of the PTI founder Imran Khan and his spouse Bushra Bibi. It also called for restoring meetings between the PTI founder and his family, lawyers and authorised party representatives. It further sought an independent medical examination and treatment at Shifa International Hospital, with his personal physician involved in the process.
The party also demanded the release of the PTI founder’s sisters — Aleema Khan, Noreen Niazi, and Dr Uzma Khan — Shah Mahmood Qureshi, Dr Yasmin Rashid and other political prisoners.
It asked for detained parliamentarians to be released, for the whereabouts and welfare of missing persons to be disclosed, and for detained members to be allowed to meet family and lawyers and take part in parliamentary proceedings.
The PTI condemned what it called politically motivated cases and sentences against Omar Ayub, Shibli Faraz and other leaders.
It demanded that disqualifications be lifted and parliamentary seats restored. It also called for an end to illegal action against political opponents and rights activists, including Imaan Mazari and Hadi Chattha.
KP emergency and governor’s rule
The parliamentary party opposed the imposition of emergency and governor’s rule in KP, calling it an attack on the Constitution and provincial autonomy. It demanded their immediate end and the restoration of the elected provincial government under Chief Minister Sohail Afridi.
The resolution also demanded the immediate release of Afridi, Speaker Babar Saleem Swati and Junaid Akbar Khan. The PTI rejected the unelected advisory council and arrangements to curtail the powers of the elected government.
The party said the war on terrorism could not be used as a pretext for political vendetta or for removing an elected government.
It unequivocally condemned terrorism and all terrorist organisations, and acknowledged the sacrifices of the armed forces, police and civilians. It called for effective steps to restore peace in line with the Constitution, the law and provincial rights.
Constitutional and political demands
The resolution called for restoring the mandate of the February 8, 2024 election or holding fresh, transparent polls. It demanded impartial investigations into the events of May 9, 2023 and November 26, 2024.
The PTI also demanded repeal of the 26th and 27th constitutional amendments and restoration of judicial independence, freedom of expression and the right to peaceful protest.
It urged immediate steps to control inflation and unemployment, provide economic relief and restore job and business opportunities.
Party leadership
The meeting expressed full confidence in the party and parliamentary leadership nominated by the PTI founder. The resolution named Barrister Gohar, Salman Akram Raja, Mahmood Khan Achakzai and Allama Raja Nasir Abbas.
It said the powers and responsibilities of the political committee, core committee and party organisations would be recognised, and that proposals of the national and provincial parliamentary parties would be given due weight.
Final decisions will remain with Imran Khan and the leadership he has empowered, the party said.
Members also resolved to settle internal differences at the relevant forums rather than through public statements, and to continue a joint struggle on constitutional, political and legal fronts.