MPs' arrests: PTI seeks identity of ‘masked men' as govt pledges 'conditional action
1. “Onus on PTI to prove allegations about black pickup trucks whisking away lawmakers,” says Sanaullah
Ali questions whether the Prime Minister will resign if the arrests of MPs were ordered by someone else, asserting that PTI is fighting for the sanctity of parliament, which has been "violated." Meanwhile, Sanaullah pledges action if it’s proven that the arrests occurred within parliament’s premises.
ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) on Tuesday demanded to know the identity of the "masked men" who allegedly abducted its lawmakers from the grounds of Parliament House on Monday. The government responded by promising to take action only if PTI could substantiate its claims.
Following the Islamabad rally on Sunday, nine PTI parliamentarians, belonging to the party of imprisoned former Prime Minister Imran Khan, were taken into custody under the new Peaceful Assembly and Public Order Bill, 2024. Multiple cases were filed against PTI leaders, including for a reported attack on police at Chongi No 26, where clashes erupted between PTI workers and law enforcement after protesters strayed from designated routes to the rally site in Sangjani.
During an appearance on Geo News’ show "Aaj Shahzeb Khanzada Kay Sath," PTI lawmaker Ali Muhammad Khan, responding to questions about fiery speeches at Sunday’s rally, recalled how PML-N President had also sharply criticized the party and the establishment after his 2017 ouster.
Ali Muhammad referenced his own imprisonment after the May 9 riots, claiming he fought and was acquitted of all charges. He stated that PTI was now fighting for parliament's integrity, which he said had been "violated" by the previous day’s events.
He went on to say that he had urged Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to form a judicial commission to investigate the attack on Lahore's Jinnah House, also known as the Corps Commander House.
Ali Muhammad added, “Even during martial law, parliamentarians were not arrested from within the Parliament House,” demanding the government reveal the identities of those responsible for arresting the MPs. He questioned whether PM Shehbaz Sharif would resign if it was proven that the arrests were not ordered by him, suggesting a third party might be involved.
In response, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Political Affairs, Rana Sanaullah, cited Islamabad Inspector General of Police (IGP) Syed Nasir Ali Rizvi, who claimed the MPs were arrested outside Parliament House. Sanaullah said the situation would become clearer after an investigation led by National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq. He also assured that the government would take appropriate action if it was proven that the arrests took place on parliamentary grounds.
Sanaullah criticized PTI for staying in the parliament building until midnight and defending inappropriate remarks made by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur. The KP CM, known for his controversial statements, had insulted journalists at the PTI's political event, accusing them of campaigning against the party and vowing to confront them.
Sanaullah emphasized that the speaker, as the custodian of the house, had the authority to act. He added that the detained lawmakers would be key witnesses to reveal who arrested them and from where, placing the burden of proof on them to substantiate claims about the black pickup trucks used in the arrests.
