LAHORE: In the backdrop of the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf’s ongoing agitation for the release of the party’s incarcerated leader Imran Khan, the Punjab Assembly Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan has called for suspending the rights of those who create “chaos” in the country.

“Peaceful protest is the right of every citizen. However, the rights of those who cause chaos in the country should be suspended, regardless of whether they are members of any elected house,” he said.

Talking to the media during the oath-taking ceremony of the Punjab Assembly Press Gallery’s new leaders, Khwaja Naseer and Adnan Sheikh, here on Monday, the speaker said the Constitution grants every citizen the right to peaceful protest; but it does not permit acts that “jeopardise national security.”

The purpose of any political party or movement should be people’s welfare, but an individual and his party have held the entire nation hostage, he said, indirectly referring to ex-premier Imran Khan and the PTI.

Referring to the events of May 9, 2023, he remarked that these were not ordinary allegations, but “direct attacks on the nation’s armed forces and institutions”.

Without naming Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gundapur, he lamented that the chief executive of a province “collaborated with rioters to attack the federation”. “These individuals are engaged in discrediting opposition politicians and the judiciary on social media.”

He commended the Chinese government for continuing investment in Pakistan despite the challenges of terrorism, adding that PTI deliberately undermined the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) initiative.

The speaker urged the government to take strict measures to restrain such elements, emphasising that the armed forces are a source of pride for any nation, yet baseless allegations are being hurled at the army.

He reiterated that political stability and a strong government are essential for economic progress.Highlighting the growing division within the judiciary, he asked the government when it would take “decisive steps” to end this turmoil.

He said that journalists can guide both the government and the opposition through fact-based and constructive criticism, urging media professionals to perform their duties with sincerity and honesty, recognizing the significance of their responsibilities.

The ceremony was also attended by Punjab Information Minister Azma Zahid Bokhari, MPAs Raheela Khadim and Uzma Kardar, Punjab Assembly Secretary General Chaudhry Amer Habib, and others.

Published in Dawn, November 26th, 2024