SWABI: Pakistan Peoples Party local leaders have accused MNAs Asad Qaiser and Shahram Tarakai of Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf of using police to victimise them, and warned them of agitation if the police ‘highhandedness’ is not stopped.

Addressing a presser here, PPP divisional general secretary Javid Inqilabi, district president Ali Khan, general secretary Ishfaq Khan, provincial leader Biland Khan Tarakai, Topi tehsil president Malik Nawaz Khan, and others alleged PTI leaders had adopted the policy of victimisation of opponents.

They alleged SP investigations Iftikhar Ali had been transferred to the district two days ago under a well-planned strategy to target PPP workers and leaders. They said the police officer earlier served as DSP Topi, and before the general elections he led a raid on the residence of former MNA Usman Khan Tarakai and his cousin, Biland Tarakai allegedly at the behest of Shahram and Qaiser.

They alleged Biland was held by the neck and insulted, and later he was forced to approach a court, which ordered registration of FIR against then DSP Iftikhar (now SP investigation). However, they said the case had not been registered against him till date because PTI leaders were protecting him.

Threaten agitation if police’s ‘highhandedness’ not stopped

On the occasion, Mr Biland, who is uncle of Shahram, said he would move court seeking transfer of the SP investigation as he was ‘a controversial officer due to his past track-record’.

“If something happens to me, Asad Qaiser, Shahram and Iftikhar Ali will be responsible,” said Mr Biland.

The PPP leaders said the police officials’ job was to honour and respect people and never use their official power to insult someone.

When contacted, SP Ali denied the allegations of vicitmising the PPP leaders and workers.

Both Qaiser and Shahram didn’t respond to the calls on their mobile phones to know their viewpoint on the matter.

Meanwhile, Asad Qaiser has said Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz-led federal government is in a complete state of panic after the Supreme Court verdict in the reserved seats case.

According to a press statement issued here on Saturday, Mr Qaiser expressed these views while talking to party leaders and workers.

He said following the verdict the government in sheer frustration was talking about banning the PTI, and was also creating hurdles in implementing the apex court decision.

He alleged PTI members were being taken away from their homes to put pressure on them to switch loyalties, which was a flagrant violation of the Constitution.

The former National Assembly speaker questioned how any parliamentarian could be arrested without informing the NA speaker.

He said the government was under an illusion that by suppressing PTI, it would deprive the party of its rights. He asserted the party would continue to struggle within the bounds of the law and the Constitution.

Published in Dawn, July 21st, 2024