ISLAMABAD, October 21, 2024: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) senior leader Asad Qaiser on Monday accused a group of independent members of the National Assembly, backed by PTI, of betraying the party and its leader, Imran Khan, by supporting the controversial 26th Constitutional Amendment.
The government secured 225 votes for the amendment, surpassing the required majority of 224, with key backing from independent MNAs, including those aligned with PTI.
Qaiser criticized the move, claiming the government ignored parliamentary rules and procedures to push the bill through. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa had not been given proper representation in the Senate during the process, he said. He accused the government of using coercive tactics to win over lawmakers, accusing them of “forcibly buying loyalties.”
Qaiser condemned the government’s actions, calling them “shameful” and argued that they had undermined democratic principles by engaging in such practices.
He also called on the public to raise their voices against what he termed a “betrayal” of the people’s mandate, urging a strong protest from the nation.
In a scathing remark, Qaiser declared that PTI no longer recognized the current assembly, calling it a “fake assembly” with no public mandate. Qaiser also reiterated that PTI would continue its protest and intensify efforts against the amendment.
Addressing the issue of party members who had supported the amendment, Qaiser announced that PTI would take legal action against those who defied the party’s stance.
Qaiser concluded by urging the public to boycott the dissident members and assured that PTI would conduct a thorough inquiry into their actions. He warned that those found guilty of disloyalty would face consequences.
