PESHAWAR: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly, through separate resolutions on Tuesday, demanded the federal government to “stop inflicting mental and physical torture on former prime minister Imran Khan in prison” and also withdraw cases against absconding PTI leader Murad Saeed.

The house, which was convened with Speaker Babar Saleem Swati in the chair, unanimously passed both the resolutions moved by MPA Mohammad Sohail Afridi. Through the resolution, the members of the treasury benches also demanded that the government provide proper facilities to the incarcerated PTI founder.

“PTI chairman Imran Khan is a political prisoner. He is not only kept in a death cell but also mental and physical torture is being inflicted on him,” said the resolution.

It said that treating a former prime minister in such a manner, who was the beloved leader of millions of Pakistanis, was a dark stain on the federal and Punjab governments. “This humiliating behaviour with Imran Khan has saddened all Pakistanis,” it added.

Through another resolution, rich tributes were paid to former federal minister Murad Saeed for his ‘political struggle and efforts for restoring peace’ in the region. It demanded that the federal government withdraw all “fake” cases against Murad Saeed.

Resolution also seeks protection and gallantry award for absconding PTI leader Murad Saeed

It also demanded that the government provide security to him and award him Tamgha-i-Shujaat as it was the proper time to encourage young politicians like him. The house also demanded that the government make efforts to ensure his safe return as he is presently in hiding.

The resolution said that Murad Saeed launched a movement when militants started resurfacing in different parts of the province. It said a spike in incidents of terrorism in the province was predicted by him. However, the government and decision-makers’ attitudes compelled him to hide.

After the passage of the resolutions, a heated debate was witnessed in the house, condemning the registration of “fake” cases against PTI leadership.

Minister for Climate Change, Forests and the Environment Fazal Hakeen said the state’s oppression made them feel that they did not belong in the country. He said that Saeed became a popular PTI leader owing to his political struggle though he belonged to a middle-class family. He informed the house that Saeed’s family members were facing hardships in his absence.

“Today Bangladesh is not part of Pakistan,” he said and questioned as to why it separated. He said that residents of Bangladesh parted ways with Pakistan because of tyranny. He demanded an end to the use of the Constitution, media and judiciary on the whims of an individual. “This country cannot be put on the track of development without the supremacy of the Constitution,” he added.

Participating in the debate, PTI-backed MPA Ikramullah Ghazi demanded that the state provide security to Murad Saeed. He said that Saeed was the first leader to stand for peace in Swat when militants resurfaced a couple of years ago.

PTI-backed MPA Malak Liaquat wondered that they were in government and supreme majority in the provincial assembly but they couldn’t make accountable those, who committed atrocities against PTI leaders.

He alleged that the May 9 incidents were orchestrated. He added that “real” violence could be witnessed if cases were not withdrawn against PTI leaders and workers.

Other PTI-backed MPAs Shafi Jan, Anwar Khan and Iftikhar Jadoon also spoke on the occasion.

Earlier, during the question-hour session, the speaker and lawmakers expressed concerns over the irresponsible attitude of the government departments. They expressed concerns when lawmakers were provided with incomplete and wrong information by departments to several questions moved by opposition MPAs Ahmad Karim Kundi, Sobia Shahid and Ihsanullah.

The chair adjourned the session till Friday.

Published in Dawn, July 24th, 2024