LAHORE: The Punjab Chief Minister, Mr. Mohammad Hanif Ramay, today [Jan 15] said his Government had been very lenient in the past, but would now severely deal with those elements which were out to defy the law and the Constitution. The Opposition … had every right to change the Government through constitutional means and popular verdict, but any attempt to topple the Government ... could not be tolerated.

Addressing a crowded Press conference … Mr. Ramay made pointed reference to the speeches and statements of Tehrik chief, Air Marshal (retired) Asghar Khan, who he alleged, had incited the Armed Forces against the ruling party and had preached violence. The Tehrik chief … had repeatedly declared that he did not recognise the present Government and the elected assemblies. How could a person, who did not recognise the two organs of the Government — the Executive and the Legislature — and also refused to accept the democratically framed Constitution, talk of democracy. … [R]ights and responsibilities went together and … those who were vociferous about rights should also abide by the law. … He appealed to the Opposition to observe [the] rules of the game.

Published in Dawn, January 16th, 2025

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