Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leaders Asad Qaiser and Arif Alvi on Tuesday expressed thier strong disappointment with the trials and decisions of military courts, stating that they have raised concerns internationally - including from the European Union and the United Kingdom.
Speaking to the media in Peshawar, Qaiser stated, “We are deeply disappointed with the trials and decisions of military courts. Our concerns are shared globally, with various international bodies raising similar alarms. The right to a fair trial must be upheld, and civilians should not be subjected to military court rulings.”
Mr Qaiser emphasised that the PTI's ongoing struggle is centered on the supremacy of the constitution and the rule of law. He criticized the government for allegedly misusing its authority, which he claimed was becoming a part of the nation’s troubling political history.
“We are not backing down from our stance on the supremacy of law. We want an independent judiciary, and we stand for civilian supremacy in this country,” he asserted.
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The former speaker further expressed his dismay over recent developments, including the controversial decision by the Supreme Court and laws that restrict peaceful protests.
“The constitution guarantees the right to peaceful protest, yet the government has passed laws prohibiting gatherings in Islamabad. Isn’t Islamabad a part of Pakistan?” he questioned.
Asad Qaiser also pointed to the growing dissatisfaction within the public regarding the government’s handling of PTI leaders and workers. “The people see the actions against us as acts of vengeance,” Qaiser said.
He added that, according to public sentiment, 99 percent of people believe that the cases against PTI’s leadership, including that of Imran Khan, were baseless and politically motivated.
In a clear call for accountability, PTI senior leader urged that a judicial inquiry be launched into the incidents of May 9 and November 26, which have been pivotal points of tension between the opposition and the government.
He also reiterated PTI’s demand for the release of political prisoners, particularly party founder Imran Khan, and other PTI workers who, he claimed, have been unjustly detained.
The PTI leader stressed that the country's crisis could only be addressed by following the constitution and law, emphasizing that PTI’s mission was not to seek personal concessions but to ensure that justice and legality prevail.
"We do not seek special treatment, but we demand that unlawful actions be rectified," he said.
Regarding the ongoing talks between the government and the opposition, Qaiser confirmed that the first round had been completed, with the next session scheduled for January 2.
He expressed cautious optimism about the continuation of negotiations, particularly given the dire economic and political situation in the country.
Alvi wants immediate withdrawal of cases against PTI
Meanwhile, former president Arif Alvi has called for the immediate withdrawal of cases against opposition leaders as a first step in resolving the ongoing crisis.
Speaking to the media, Dr Alvi highlighted the grave financial losses the country has endured over the past two to three years, estimating a staggering $70 to $80 billion in damages.
“The ruling party and the parliament have looted the country, and this has resulted in severe losses for Pakistan,” Dr. Alvi stated. “Change is inevitable, and the people of Pakistan are waiting for that change.” He also pointed out that the international community, including the European Union, has condemned the current state of affairs, particularly the trial of civilians in military courts.
“If you try civilians in military courts, the world will condemn it,” he warned. Dr Alvi emphasized that Pakistan had struggled to maintain its GSP Plus status, which was granted with great difficulty, and the current lack of foreign investment and financial assistance has only exacerbated the crisis.
“No money is coming from anywhere in the world. Not a single penny of investment has been received,” he said.
The President also noted the destruction of democratic institutions, the judiciary, and the constitution in the pursuit of keeping PTI founder Imran Khan sidelined.
Referring to the 26th Amendment, Dr Alvi slated its implications for Pakistan’s political landscape, asserting that it had only deepened the country’s problems.
He reminded the public of the promises made in 2012 by the PTI founder, Imran Khan, when he had envisioned a united front for the nation. “The founder used to say that everyone will come together, but what we are witnessing today is corruption, dishonesty, and the government looting the country’s wealth,” Dr Alvi said.
He criticised the unchecked growth of corrupt institutions, particularly the construction and defense mafias, while ordinary citizens continue to struggle.
