PTI Carried Coffins but Never Let Go of Respect: Barrister Goher
Various Speakers Express Opinions in National Assembly
He demanded justice for PTI’s people and urged them not to be forced to return to the streets for their rights.
Barrister Goher, Chairman of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), stated that despite the party carrying coffins, they never let go of the respect for others. He addressed the National Assembly during a session presided over by Deputy Speaker Syed Ghulam Mustafa. He mentioned that the fundamental right of the public is to peacefully protest, and PTI has faced all kinds of oppression. “We carried coffins but never lost our respect. We’ve had 12 martyrs, and the nation will demand answers. We want to learn from Mr. Khawaja’s experience. He says no shots were fired, but we never responded to violence with violence,” he said.
Barrister Goher further emphasized that the Parliament should not just mourn; dialogue is essential, and the assembly has not been able to provide protection to its members. He called for the formation of a special committee to rectify the mistakes made and stated that those who came to protest peacefully had no weapons, and if a bullet was fired, the responsibility must be taken. He added that oppression, if left unchecked, increases and eventually disappears. He demanded justice for PTI’s people and urged that they should not be forced to return to the streets for their rights.
Iqbal Afridi’s Statement on True Freedom
PTI MNA Iqbal Afridi remarked, “We will return for true freedom. We have taken bullets in our chests, and not thrown a single stone at anyone.” He criticized the government’s handling of the situation in the tribal areas (FATA), stating that the responsibility lies with the government. He also emphasized that PTI’s Chairman is in jail, and they would protest for his release, both in front of the Parliament and at D-Chowk.
Amir Maqam and His Criticism of PTI’s Use of Pukhtuns
Federal Minister for SAFRON Amir Maqam criticized PTI for allegedly exploiting the Pukhtun community. “I also want to represent the Pukhtuns. How have you manipulated and used them? You’re using innocent people for your political purposes, which tarnishes the reputation of the Pukhtun nation,” he said. He further stated that the focus should be on improving governance in their own province instead of using the Pukhtun community for political gains.
Shir Afzal Marwat’s Comments on Amir Maqam
PTI MNA Shir Afzal Marwat expressed his disagreement with Amir Maqam’s comments, stating, “Amir Maqam is usually a calm person, but he spoils our mood by calling the PTI founder a criminal. Has any party ever been shot at before?” He also mentioned that after November 26, the treatment of Pukhtuns had been humiliating, with cases being filed against them, including 15 FIRs against him. He called for these bogus cases against parliamentarians to be handed over to the committee.
Notice by Deputy Speaker on Unrelated Individuals in the Lobby
The Deputy Speaker also took notice of the presence of people other than MPs in the parliamentary lobby and instructed that only members should be allowed in, with any non-relevant individuals being removed. He decided to suspend the security personnel responsible for allowing unauthorized individuals into the lobby.