Barrister Saif criticizes ‘govt tactics to stop jalsa’, Azma Bukhari retorts

PESHAWAR: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Information Advisor Barrister Saif has said that the jalsa scheduled for September 8 will not be postponed under any circumstances. He said that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur will personally lead the event.

Speaking at a press conference here on Thursday, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Barrister Saif claimed that a large number of people from across the province would be participating. He assured that the rally would be held in accordance with the constitution and that no illegal activities would be conducted.

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Addressing the federal government, he added, “The government has nothing to fear; we aim to remove them through public support”. He also criticised recent attempts to restrict public processions in Islamabad, arguing that the ruling party’s past legislation was now backfiring. He noted that similar tactics had failed previous administrations, and expressed confidence in the opposition’s public support.

Pakistan Muslim League – Nawaz (PML-N) leader and Punjab Information Minister Azma Bukhari responded strongly to Barrister Saif’s remarks, accusing PTI of stirring unrest. She claimed that PTI’s founder and incarcerated former prime minister Imran Khan had conspired against PML-N chief Nawaz Sharif to seize power. Criticising PTI’s tactics, she said, “Tehreek-e-Insaf’s cover is temptation and mischief,” adding that Nawaz Sharif returned to power with a two-thirds majority.

She also took aim at the PTI’s past rhetoric, referencing talks of nuclear threats and divisions in the country. Bukhari defended Sharif as a leader who believes in democracy and the rule of law, while denouncing the PTI’s leadership as corrupt and dishonest. “The founding members of PTI are now a subject of global media scrutiny for their corruption,” she added.

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The Senate session also witnessed discussions surrounding the upcoming PTI rally in Islamabad. PTI’s Ali Zafar argued that efforts were being made to stop the event, while Senator Irfan Siddiqui explained that regulations were being put in place to ensure proper conduct. “We are facilitating the people, ensuring their rights are not violated,” Siddiqui said. Meanwhile, Senator Azam Nazir Tarar highlighted that such rules had existed in the Senate for years, with adjustments made as necessary to ensure order.