QUETTA: PTI Balo­chistan leader Salar Kakar on Tuesday expressed serious concerns over what he described as the government’s actions to restrict freedom of expression, calling it a violation of Article 19 of the Constitution.

Speaking at a press conference in Quetta, he argued that these actions infringed on constitutional rights of citizens and contravened basic human rights principles.

Mr Kakar, a member of PTI’s central committee, recounted a recent incident involving PTI leader Intezar Hussain Panjutha, who was reportedly abducted from Islam­abad after seeking permission to meet PTI founder Imran Khan in Adiala Jail.

Describing his ordeal as distressing, Mr Kakar suggested the issue highlighted the risks faced by prominent figures and the lack of protection for ordinary citizens.

He lamented the lack of legal action and accountability, and said the government has violated every law in recent years.

“Even in a jungle, there are laws,” he remarked, questioning the security of citizens’ lives and property under current conditions.

Mr Kakar criticised the authorities for failing to register cases in high-profile incidents, such as the attack on former premier Khan, and for not apprehending the culprits.

He claimed that over the past two and a half years, around 10,000 PTI members had been detained, with homes raided in ways that disregard citizens’ fundamental rights.

Published in Dawn, November 6th, 2024