ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s Core and Political Committees have demanded that political workers must be released immediately, alleged harassment of people should stop and basic constitutional rights of citizens be respected.
A joint meeting underlined that the violation of sanctity of privacy and series of terrorizing citizens is unacceptable; the state institutions and the government should find solutions to political problems within the framework of the Constitution and law instead of suppressing political differences through force and coercion.
The Political and Core Committees also strongly condemned the arrest of former federal minister and PTI leader Hammad Azhar. The meeting demanded that a contempt petition filed in the Supreme Court and the pending legal matter related to the health of PTI founder be scheduled for immediate hearing, so that the SC can ensure the implementation of its orders.
The party demanded that PTI founder Imran Khan be immediately shifted to hospital for proper medical examination and treatment and that he be provided with the best medical facilities. The meeting said the implementation of the orders of Supreme Court was the constitutional responsibility of the state and the authorities concerned, therefore, any kind of delay or obstruction would not be acceptable.
The joint meeting was held late on Tuesday night, in which the overall political situation, the party’s ongoing political and public relations campaign, street movement in Sindh, ongoing crackdown on workers, health of Imran Khan and other important issues were discussed in detail.
A statement issued after the meeting said the committees fully appreciated the ongoing street movement in Sindh under the leadership of Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Sohail Afridi. Tribute was paid to Afridi and his entire team for the successful public relations campaign and said that the political activities and public acceptance of PTI in Sindh have proven that the people stand with Imran Khan for their constitutional, democratic and political rights.
The meeting declared that the PTI considered all provinces equal units of Pakistan and rejected any attempt to create hatred or division among the people of Sindh, Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan. Serious concern was expressed over the arrests of party workers and political leaders and it was clarified that arresting workers, arresting people and harassing them as a result of peaceful political activities was tantamount to further straining the political environment.
A party source told The News that voices were raised, suggesting to Sohail Afridi not to tour Punjab and let them focus on preparations for the September 27 march. It was noted that a crackdown on the party would intensify in case he visited Punjab in the given scenario.
