Ali Muhammad Khan Decries September 10 Events as 'Dark Chapter' in Democracy's History
In a heated National Assembly session on Tuesday, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Ali Muhammad Khan condemned the events of September 10, calling them a severe blow to Pakistani democracy. Khan drew parallels to the May 9, 2023, incidents, labeling the recent disturbances as an attack on democratic institutions.
Khan criticized the arrest of PTI lawmakers and demanded that Article 6 be invoked against those involved in the assault on the parliament. He argued that the attacks, which included masked individuals forcibly removing lawmakers from the parliamentary premises, represented an assault on democracy itself.
“This is not just about PTI; this is about the integrity of democracy in Pakistan,” Khan asserted. He emphasized that his call for accountability was aimed at protecting democratic values, not just PTI’s interests. Khan also highlighted that PTI leaders Sahibzada Shafqat, Aamir Dogar, and Sheikh Waqas Akram had sought refuge in the Parliament House, while Maulana Naseem was reportedly detained from a mosque.
PTI leader Asad Qaiser also weighed in, condemning the arrests, particularly of Barrister Gohar and other members, as an “outright assault” on parliament. He questioned whether National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq had sanctioned these actions and warned the government against intimidation tactics, suggesting that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s tenure may be in jeopardy.
Both Khan and Qaiser stressed the need for accountability and urged that those responsible for the perceived attacks on democracy and parliament be held to account.
