Shibli Faraz, the opposition leader in the Senate, criticized the treasury benches on Friday for actions taken against the PTI, which he claimed were happening “under their watch.”
In the Senate, an angry Faraz stated, “The fascism, oppression, and violence you have begun continue under your watch.”
These comments followed the Islamabad police and local authorities demolishing part of PTI’s central secretariat in Islamabad late last night. They sealed the premises for allegedly violating building bylaws.
In response, the PTI approached the Islamabad police chief, accusing 35 officials of raiding the office. The action took place in the presence of a United Nations delegation.
Regarding the demolition, Faraz claimed party workers were baton-charged. Amir Mughal, head of PTI’s Islamabad chapter, was arrested.
“You cannot do politics by force. You can take our party symbol, jail our chairman, demolish our offices, raid our homes, but you cannot erase the love for Imran Khan from the hearts of 250 million people,” Faraz declared.
“Your oppression and tyranny will be recorded in history. It will be upsetting when future generations read about it,” he added.
Faraz alleged the PML-N-led coalition government won only 27 seats in the National Assembly in the February 8 elections. He said, “You came to power on a stolen mandate. At least try to appear decent.
Faraz pointed out that political instability had negatively affected economic statistics. He urged the treasury benches to condemn the action on the PTI office.
Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar responded, stating the Capital Development Authority (CDA) had been ordered to act against encroachments. He said multiple notices were sent to remind PTI about their unauthorized construction and public area encroachments.
The last notice was sent on May 10. The action on the PTI office was legal. Tarar added that he had discussed the matter with the CDA chairman.
Responding to Faraz’s remark about attacks on the judiciary, the law minister said he took “serious exception” to the comment.
