The Election Commission of Pakistan SLAMS THE DOOR SHUT ON PTI LAWMAKERS IN MAY 9 RIOTS CRACKDOWN!
In a massive blow to the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has disqualified nine of its lawmakers, including senior leaders in both the National Assembly and the Senate. The move follows their recent conviction in cases related to the violent May 9 riots.
- The Charges and Convictions: An anti-terrorism court in Faisalabad had sentenced the lawmakers, including National Assembly Opposition Leader Omar Ayub Khan, to 10 years in prison for their alleged roles in the May 2023 riots. The riots, which followed the brief arrest of former Prime Minister Imran Khan, saw widespread violence against government and military installations. The ECP’s disqualification is based on Article 63(1)(h) of the Constitution, which bars individuals from holding office if convicted of a crime involving “moral turpitude” with a sentence of at least two years.
GOVERNMENT OFFERS OLIVE BRANCH? INVITES OPPOSITION FOR DIALOGUE
Amid the escalating political tensions and disqualifications, the government has extended an invitation to the opposition for a dialogue. The proposed talks are centered on the 26th constitutional amendment. This amendment has been a source of significant controversy, with critics arguing it is a “blow to judicial independence” and “erodes the judiciary’s capacity to independently and effectively function as a check against excesses by other branches of the State.” The amendment alters the composition of the Judicial Commission, which nominates judges for senior courts, and curtails the Supreme Court’s power to take suo moto action.
IMRAN KHAN’S FAMILY BLOCKED FROM VISITING JAIL, PTI PROTESTS ERUPT
Tensions are boiling over as reports emerge that authorities have prevented Imran Khan’s sisters and other family members from meeting him at Adiala Jail. The denial of visits, despite court orders, has led to clashes and outrage from the PTI.
- Family’s Struggle: Khan’s family and legal team have repeatedly faced obstacles in their attempts to meet him, a situation they have described as a “blatant violation of court orders” and a denial of basic human rights.
- Protests and Crackdown: In response, the PTI has launched a new wave of protests, demanding Khan’s immediate release. The protests, marking the second anniversary of his arrest, have been met with a swift government crackdown. Authorities have imposed Section 144 in major cities, banning public gatherings, and have reportedly arrested hundreds of PTI workers and supporters. Police and paramilitary forces have been deployed in large numbers, particularly around Adiala Jail, to prevent any large-scale mobilization.
