Punish those who attacked institutions on May 9: says Jahangir Jadoon, Anything can happen at any time, we haven’t thought about change yet: Ibadullah Khan, Situations change every day in politics: Kamran Murtaza

By Staff Reporter

ISLAMABAD:  The air in Pakistan’s political circles was thick with whispers, a mixture of relief and unease, following the recent release of prominent PTI leader Shah Mehmood Qureshi. Yet, as the news spread, a curious observation emerged. Veteran political Editor In Chief Pakistan Group of Newspaper and Chairman Roze News SK Niazi while talking in his renowned talk show Sachi Baat, was quick to point out, “PTI members were not as happy as they should have been over the release of Shah Mehmood Qureshi and others.” This lukewarm reaction, he suggested, spoke volumes about the internal dynamics of the party. SK Niazi didn’t mince words about Qureshi’s ongoing legal woes, revealing, “There are 8 more cases against Shah Mehmood Qureshi.” His analysis painted a picture of a fractured movement: “PTI is divided among itself,” he asserted, adding a critical note on the party’s leadership, “PTI founder changes his statements every day.” Looking ahead, SK Niazi was resolute about the electoral future, declaring, “Elections will be held on time,” while dismissing the impact of any planned protests: “PTI’s protest will be a flop.” On the international stage, he cautioned against over-reliance on foreign support, stating flatly, “Trump will not take the founder’s issue to a series,” and reminding all, “America looks after its own affairs first.”

Meanwhile, Former Deputy Attorney General Jahangir Jadoon, a voice from the legal fraternity, offered a more critical, almost mournful, take on PTI’s strategic timing. “PTI’s decision has come too late,” he opined, suggesting a tactical misstep. He foresaw a cascade of legal battles, predicting, “Now PTI members will challenge their cases in the High Court.” Jadoon drew historical parallels, noting, “Mian Nawaz Sharif was also sentenced to ten years,” implying that legal challenges are not unique to PTI. He criticized the party’s internal inconsistencies, observing, “PTI leaves out those who hold press conferences,” and sternly called for accountability regarding the tumultuous May 9th incidents: “Punish those who attacked institutions on May 9,” and insisted, “There should be a fair trial of the Naomai incidents.” While acknowledging Qureshi’s recent legal victory (“Shah Mehmood Qureshi has been acquitted of his case”), Jadoon stressed collective responsibility: “Everyone has to be guilty in the May 9th incidents.” His outlook for PTI’s immediate future was bleak: “PTI people’s affairs will not be resolved for three and a half years.” A deeper frustration with the nation’s governance permeated his comments: “If these Chinese can’t catch thieves, what else can they do,” he mused, adding with a sigh, “There is no such thing as a constitution in the country,” and “Our judicial system has not been fixed yet.” He concluded with a cynical observation on political opportunism: “The party that comes to a decision in its favor is called good,” and conversely, “Whenever a decision is made against a party, they start making statements.”

From the provincial front, Opposition Leader KP Assembly Ibadullah Khan weighed in with a strong stance on justice for the May 9th incidents. “People involved in the May 9 incidents should be punished,” he declared, directly accusing, “PTI members attacked institutions during May 9 incidents.” Yet, he also highlighted a perplexing paradox, noting that “PTI members should be released from the courts in the May 9 incidents” was a concurrent demand. Khan also touched upon the shifting power dynamics in the Senate, observing, “The opposition has gained more seats in the Senate.” He revealed his own involvement in political negotiations, stating, “I gave the six-five formula to the government,” while unequivocally condemning, “The buying and selling formula is completely wrong.” His criticism extended to the provincial PTI leadership: “Ali Amin should occupy DI Khan instead of occupying Gandapur, Lahore, Islamabad,” and pointedly, “Ali Amin Gandapur does not have control over his district,” adding, “Ali Amin Gandapur doesn’t care about his province.” Khan was firm in his resolve: “We will not let them become political martyrs,” and hinted at unforeseen developments: “Anything can happen at any time, we haven’t thought about change yet.” He expressed grave concern for his province, lamenting, “The situation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is not good,” and grimly noted, “Terrorism had ended in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, now terrorism has taken over again.”

Finally, JUI-F leader Kamran Murtaza added his voice to the chorus, introducing an element of strategic distance. “We will not continue with the government after 2024,” he announced, signaling a potential realignment. He recalled past frictions: “We told them about the differences we had with the PTI people.” On the legal aspects, Murtaza highlighted a procedural concern: “There is no bail in the punishments meted out to PTI members,” and insisted, “Those who were sentenced should have been given a copy of the verdict at the same time.” He acknowledged the mixed legal outcomes for PTI workers: “Some PTI workers have been punished and some have been acquitted.” However, his most striking comment hinted at a deeper, more calculated game: “We will know later whether this is the result of a deal or something else,” and then, with a knowing tone, stated, “Founder’s release can only be as a result of a deal.” Murtaza acknowledged the inherent volatility of politics: “Situations change every day in politics,” and adopted a detached stance towards PTI’s struggles: “Let those who are falling from their own weight fall,” reiterating, “We will not allow anyone to become a political martyr.”