ISLAMABAD ( WEB NEWS )
The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has responded to the Ministry of Interior’s statement, stating that November 26 is one of the darkest chapters in the country’s history. The government is drenched in the blood of innocent citizens. A PTI spokesperson, in a press release, stated that the government hid behind Article 245 of the constitution and used state machinery to commit atrocities. The constitution does not permit the shedding of innocent, defenseless, and peaceful citizens’ blood. The statement added that while some sections of the constitution are being highlighted, many other provisions that guarantee the fundamental rights of the people are being trampled upon with arrogance.
The PTI spokesperson strongly criticized the Federal Minister of Interior, accusing him of imposing personal dictatorship on the nation rather than gaining power through a dignified democratic process. The spokesperson emphasized that Article 1 of the constitution recognizes all Pakistanis, not just the rulers of Punjab and the federal government, but also those in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan. According to PTI, Article 2 of the constitution declares Islam as the state religion, ensuring the highest moral, political, social, and spiritual values at both individual and collective levels. Article 3 prohibits all forms of exploitation of citizens, while Article 4 ensures the protection of life, property, and honor for every Pakistani under the law.
Article 5 of the constitution requires loyalty not to any autocrat or individual but to the state, the constitution, and the law, and punishes those who attempt to undermine or disregard the constitution with serious charges of treason, as outlined in Article 6. The spokesperson also pointed out that Article 10 protects citizens from unlawful treatment by state machinery, such as arbitrary arrest, abduction, enforced disappearances, or torture, while Article 10A guarantees a fair trial. Article 14 protects citizens’ personal dignity and prohibits any form of unlawful treatment by the state. The spokesperson further noted that Article 15 guarantees the complete freedom of movement for every citizen, while Article 16 ensures the right to peaceful assembly. Article 17 grants every citizen the right to participate in political activities and join any political party, and Article 19 affirms the fundamental right of every Pakistani to express their opinion. Article 19A recognizes the right to access certified information. The government, under the cover of Article 245, can see its repugnant face reflected in the mirror of the constitution while taking actions against the citizens.