Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Information Advisor Barrister Saif has launched a scathing critique of the federal government, accusing it of undermining democratic institutions and press freedom.
“The grave they are digging for the media will eventually be theirs,” Saif said in a statement on Thursday.
He argued that the government’s refusal to establish a judicial commission was proof of its “illegitimate and unelected” nature.
He further alleged that the ruling coalition is preparing to flee in the face of documented demands of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI).
Saif also claimed that the government was introducing new laws aimed at eliminating the judiciary, media and political opposition.
He described Parliament as reduced to a “rubber stamp” under the current regime.
Referring to proposed amendments to the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA), Saif repeated his claim that the administration’s crackdown on dissent would ultimately be counterproductive.
He criticized President Ayaz Sadiq’s role and predicted future repentance for what he called “undemocratic actions.”
Saif warned that the government’s avoidance of negotiations could push the opposition to take to the streets.
He also alleged that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif was using the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Governor to orchestrate political measures against the provincial government.
PTI paralyzes talks on judicial commission
Tempers appear to be heating up again as the formation of a judicial commission remains the sticking point between the government and the opposition Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), with the latter stating that there will be no more talks with the ruling alliance if the commission is not established.
The PTI statement came shortly after government negotiation committee spokesperson Irfan Siddiqui announced that the opposition party would be informed in writing of the government’s response on January 28. He added that no decision had yet been made on the formation of a judicial commission.
The former ruling party has been demanding the formation of a judicial commission to investigate the incidents of May 9, 2023 and November 26, 2024. It is also demanding the release of all political prisoners, including party founder Imran Khan.
Addressing a press conference in the federal capital on Wednesday, PTI leader Omar Ayub reaffirmed that there will be no fourth round of talks with the government’s negotiating team unless the judicial commission is formed. He was flanked by PTI president Advocate Gohar Ali Khan and other party leaders.
“The third round of talks with the government has been completed. The government had promised to arrange a meeting with PTI (founder) president (Imran Khan). We have requested it repeatedly but the government has not facilitated the meeting.” Ayub said. “If the commission is not formed according to our demand, there will be no further negotiations [with the government]”he added.
Earlier, the government’s negotiating committee called a meeting in the National Assembly speaker’s chamber to deliberate on the PTI’s demands.
Later, while addressing the media, Irfan Siddiqui stated that the committee had sought detailed legal opinions on the PTI demands. He added that consultations will continue on Thursday (today) and Friday (tomorrow).
“We will give a written reply to the PTI on January 28. However, no decision has been taken yet on the formation of a judicial commission,” Siddiqui said.
He noted that the consultation process would continue and that several issues would be reviewed.
Ijazul Haq, a member of the government’s negotiation team, told reporters that the committee was still working on the PTI’s letter outlining its demands. “We have thoroughly reviewed every point raised by PTI. However, a final decision has not been taken yet and the response is still in process,” Haq said.
On the other hand, Defense Minister Khawaja Asif criticized the PTI for its demand to form a judicial commission.
Speaking to the media outside parliament, the Defense Minister stated that those involved in the May 9 incidents had already been convicted. He asked what new investigations the judicial commission would carry out.
He criticized the PTI, accusing its followers of inciting unrest through social media.
