Sher Afzal Marwat, other PTI MNAs sent on physical remand

ISLAMABAD: An anti-terrorism court (ATC) in Islamabad on Tuesday sent the arrested members of parliament (MNAs) from the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) on an eight-day physical remand.

Islamabad police had arrested at least 12 PTI MNAs outside the Parliament House on Monday evening. The police presented the MNAs before the ATC, and after initial arguments, the judge granted an eight-day physical remand for the accused.

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The arrested MNAs include Aamir Dogar, Sher Afzal Marwat, Zain Qureshi, Sheikh Waqas Akram, Naseem Shah, Ahmed Chhata, and others. They were brought to court by Islamabad police, while PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar also appeared in court.

The PTI legislators were arrested from outisde the Parliament House on charges of violating the agreement thier party had clinched with the Islamabad administration for the rally in the Sangjrani area of Islamabad.

Attempts Being Made to Push PTI Against the Wall: Shibli Faraz

Meanwhile, Leader of the Opposition in the Senate, Shibli Faraz, expressed his concerns stating that the sanctity of Parliament was violated when members of the National Assembly (MNAs) from Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) were arrested outside Parliament the previous day. He condemned the act, calling it a disgrace.

Speaking in the Senate, Shibli Faraz remarked, “Parliament was ridiculed yesterday. It felt as though the MNAs were criminals. The sanctity of Parliament was undermined, which is condemnable.”

He said that Parliament belongs to all, and criticized the government for not condemning the incident, adding, “It seems the government is more concerned with personal interests than public welfare.” Faraz said that the lack of condemnation was due to the presence of “Form 47 people.”

He further said that attempts were being made to push the PTI against the wall, despite it being the largest party in Pakistan.

Referring to the recent legislation against peaceful protests, he labeled it “shameful,” stating, “We have all been played. We shot ourselves in the foot. This legislation was designed to block PTI’s path.”

Faraz also pointed out that, despite permission being granted for a rally, barriers were erected, causing delays. “The rally wasn’t a cinema show with fixed timings,” he added, implying that the barriers were a deliberate hindrance.

He called for an end to animosity towards PTI, reminding the government that PTI members are also Pakistanis and not enemies.

“Do not sow hatred. Acknowledge the misery that has spread in the country. When you go to vote, remember that Form 47 will be your only support,” he cautioned.

Addressing the broader political climate, Faraz noted that political stability has been urged by friends outside the country, adding, “If imprisoning us brings prosperity, then keep us in jails.”

He also criticized the government’s economic management, targeting the finance minister, whom he described as a banker more concerned with figures than facts.

“The country’s problems won’t be solved by juggling numbers,” he said. Faraz blamed the government for the economic downturn, claiming, “The industry is stagnant, exports are failing. Admit that you’ve miserably failed in governance.”

Faisal Vawda Calls Out Ali Amin Gandapur’s Remarks

Meanwhile, Senator Faisal Vawda, while reacting to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur’s speech at a rally in Islamabad, said that if Gandapur visits Punjab, Sindh and Balochistan, he will be sent back as “Miss Gandapur”.

Speaking during a Senate session, Vawda criticized the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), saying, “You are pleading with the establishment to negotiate with you. How did Murad Saeed, General Faiz, and the PTI leadership know in advance about the Arshad Sharif case? You killed an innocent man, Arshad Sharif, for your dirty politics.”

As Vawda delivered his speech, PTI members re-entered the House. Senator Falaknaz Chitrali questioned Vawda’s position, asking, “What is your status, and why are you speaking?” To this, Vawda responded, “I don’t know what your status is.”

He accused PTI of plotting to destabilise the country and said, “You insult our mothers and sisters, and we tolerate it.”

He added, “Be patient now, the process has started with you. It is the institutions’ and the government’s weakness that these people are allowed to hurl abuses.”