SWABI: Former National Assembly speaker Asad Qaiser declared on Friday that a “fake and fascist” government was imposed on the country, which had no interest in resolving people’s problems.

He made the remarks while addressing a public gathering held at the Swabi Sports Complex in Bamkhel here.

Mr Qaiser said that the government had no mandate to rule the country.

He alleged that the lawmakers of the opposition parties were being forced to support the proposed constitutional package. He said the package was meant to further strengthen the rulers’ ‘stranglehold’ on the country in total disregard to the democratic norms.

“Opposition MNAs are being offered Rs200 million each to support the package,” he said, adding that if any lawmaker refused to accept the offer, their families were harassed,” he said.

Mr Qaiser, however, said that they would not allow the government to pass the law at any cost.

The former NA speaker said the party had condemned the use of force against the activists of Pashtun Tahaffuz Movement. “I along other PTI leaders visited the PTM activists and expressed our condolence with the families of those who were killed in police firing on a PTM gathering in Khyber a few days ago,” he said.

Speaking on the occasion, minister for sports and youth affairs Syed Fakhar Jehan urged the people to ensure their children took part in sports activities for a healthy body and soul. “Tolerance can be learnt in the playground.”

Mr Jehan said corruption had harmed every sphere of life, and called for waging a struggle against the vice.

Provincial irrigation minister Aqibullah Khan, MPA Rangaiz Khan and other PTI leaders were also present on the occasion.

The sports minister also inaugurated various sections of the sports complex on the occasion.

Published in Dawn, October 12th, 2024