LAHORE:
The Opposition in the Punjab Assembly lambasted the government for its double standards, stating that, on one hand, it expresses solidarity with Kashmiris against their mistreatment and cruelty, but on the other hand, it subjects the Opposition to similar treatment.
Speaker of the Punjab Assembly, Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan, condemned the act of setting fire to houses, banks, and state properties under the guise of a protest or rally. Speaking to journalists, he said, “Peaceful protest is everyone’s right, but turning such an event into chaos and violence cannot be allowed under any circumstances.”
He added that August 5 is the day of ‘Youm-e-Istehsal’ (Day of Exploitation), and everyone should stand by the Kashmiris. However, PTI created division by announcing protests on August 14, a national day.
“Today, the focus should have been on voicing against the cruelty towards the people of Palestine and Kashmir, rather than damaging the national cause under the guise of protests,” Speaker Khan warned. He further stated that turning protests into anarchy is unjustifiable.
On the other hand, the Opposition’s parliamentary leader, Ali Imtiaz Warraich, condemned the government’s dual conduct, adding that, on one side, the government observes August 5 as a day to voice against the exploitation of Kashmiris and Palestinians, but on the other hand, it treats the Opposition with the same cruelty.
He mentioned that PTI had called for a nationwide protest on August 5. In response to this call, PTI lawmakers assembled outside DHA Rehbar, but the police arrested nine of their lawmakers. “PTI conducted a peaceful protest, yet even its lawmakers and workers were arrested,” he said.
Warraich warned that PTI would devise a future strategy if its lawmakers and workers were not released.
