Gohar grows emotional on NA floor, demands justice for Islamabad protest victims

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Barrister Gohar passionately appealed for justice for Islamabad protest victims during the National Assembly session on Wednesday, emphasizing the need to resolve grievances related to the events of May 9.

With tears brimming in his eyes, he addressed Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, saying: “You say no bullet was fired on the PTI protestors, while Pakhtuns have buried their sons with their own hands.”

He said that “we are not playing Pakhtun card”, but sacrifices have been made by families, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, where he claimed every Pashtun father had carried the coffin of his son. “This is not the time for revenge,” he added.

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Gohar criticized the lack of investigations and accountability in the case of Islamabad protest victims, asking why cases and evidence were not pursued. “We demand this house to not only mourn but assert itself. If justice is denied here, the streets will become our recourse,” he warned. 

He reaffirmed PTI’s peaceful stance, stating that the party’s supporters and voters are law-abiding citizens, not armed militias. He dismissed allegations of PTI protesters being armed during May 9 demonstrations, urging for a transparent inquiry to identify those responsible for any violence. 

Referring to historical injustices, he cited the lack of closure in cases like the 2014 Model Town incident and the prolonged quest for justice in former Prime Minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto’s case. “We just want justice, and you still have time for this,” he added. 

Gohar urged the National Assembly Speaker to take responsibility and ensure the house delivers justice to Islamabad protest victims, saying that this was the only way to prevent further unrest.