RAWALPINDI: Opposition Leader in National Assembly Omar Ayub Khan has criticised the involvement of certain institutions in politics, stating that such actions are detrimental to the country’s development and that law enforcement agencies cannot assume the ‘mantle of the state’.
“An institution should not interfere in politics as it harms the country,” Ayub, flanked by his Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leaders, said while speaking to the media outside Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi on Thursday.
“On December 16, 1971, Pakistan was divided into two parts due to General Yahya Khan’s decision. Today, we still see individual decisions being made, which will have similar consequences. The current government, which I call ‘Form 47’, is responsible for the present situation in Pakistan.”
Ayub also warned of repercussions if party members Hammad Azhar and Mian Aslam Iqbal are arrested. “If Hammad Azhar and Mian Aslam Iqbal are detained, we will condemn it in the assembly. We will organise peaceful protests across Pakistan. We will not accept any statements taken under pressure from Mian Aslam Iqbal… Hammad Azhar and Mian Aslam Iqbal should complete their legal processes and lead the party.”
He emphasised that Bushra Bibi, who has no political affiliations, has also been unfairly punished. “Bushra Bibi is not involved in politics, and she has been penalised unjustly. She is not a liability for PTI founder Imran Khan,” he added.
Ayub highlighted an incident involving the Islamabad police and a United Nations delegation.
“The Islamabad police conducted a search of the UN delegation, which was witnessed by everyone. The UN mentioned this raid in their report.”
Regarding a raid on PTI’s central office, Ayub stated, “There was no warrant for the raid on PTI’s central office. The responsibility for the attack on Raoof Hasan lies with IG Islamabad, SSP Operations, and Mohsin Naqvi.”
