(Aamir Shahzad) Leader of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Sheikh Waqas Akram has said that all security operations gather on a protest call, nothing is done to protect the people, protest is our constitutional right. Will use the right.
While giving a press conference in Peshawar, Tehreek-e-Insaf Member of National Assembly Sheikh Waqas Akram said that Rana Sanaullah is saying that he is not taking the protest seriously, then why has Section 144 been imposed for 2 months, why is he afraid of the power of the people? On the call of a protest, all security operations gather, nothing is done to protect the public, protest is our constitutional right, we will exercise our right, there are talks of canceling the credentials and admissions of students involved in the protest. Yes, states do not threaten their children and people, nothing will happen with threats, your preparations are telling that your legs are shaking, names of 600 to 7 people in Pakistan are on Exit Control List (ECL). Put in, those people are still with PTI, Chief Justice, civil society and others demand that they play a role in bullying children, people will come out from every district of Punjab, KP, Sindh and Balochistan.
Also read: Protest call, administration in action, many PTI workers arrested
He said that the farmers grow grains and are the wheel of the economy, the government is the enemy of the farmers and the poor, the wheat scandal is in front of everyone, the farmers have lost millions and crores in the land contracts, the prices of fertilizers have doubled from a year and a half ago. However, due to the taxes imposed on the farmers, the farmers were destroyed economically, an agreement was signed with the IMF not to purchase wheat, farmers are not being given export prizes, food security is not being given. Being played together, I am addressing the Punjab and the entire farmers that you should join the November 24 protest, the call of November 24 cannot be delayed, if anyone asks for talks, we will talk according to the rules.
Khan Sahib clearly said that if anyone does not join the protest on the instructions of Bushra Bibi, he will be out of PTI.
Also read:Anyone who stops us from doing our job will have to face the consequences, army chief
Interview between the Time.news Editor and Sheikh Waqas Akram
Editor: Good morning, Sheikh Waqas Akram. Thank you for joining us today. Your recent statements regarding protests and the government’s response have generated quite a buzz. Can you elaborate on why you believe protests are essential for the people of Pakistan?
Akram: Good morning, and thank you for having me. Protests are a fundamental constitutional right. They provide citizens with a voice to express their grievances, particularly when they feel unheard by the government. In our case, the ruling power seems to be more focused on suppressing dissent rather than addressing the concerns of the people.
Editor: You mentioned during your press conference in Peshawar that the imposition of Section 144 over the past two months indicates the government’s fear of the people. Can you explain why you think that is?
Akram: Absolutely. By imposing Section 144, the government is essentially acknowledging that it feels threatened by the public’s willingness to gather and voice their concerns. If they were confident in their governance and the support of the citizens, there would be no need to limit our rights. It signifies a desire to control rather than understand.
Editor: In your press conference, you referred to the fact that security operations seem to ramp up on protest calls but fail to protect citizens. Can you provide specific examples of this?
Akram: Yes, it’s startling. Rather than focusing resources on genuine community safety, we see extensive security mobilization aimed at quelling potential protests. This misplaced priority not only undermines public safety but also shows a troubling disregard for peaceful assembly. We’re calling for a more balanced approach where the rights of citizens are protected while also ensuring safety.
Editor: You also spoke about threats to students participating in protests. What are your thoughts on the implications of such tactics?
Akram: Threatening students is an egregious tactic that can stifle the voices of the next generation. Education should be about empowerment, not coercion. When states resort to threats, they are not just violating the rights of individuals but also jeopardizing the future of our society. We need to encourage our youth to engage with the political process, not intimidate them into silence.
Editor: What is the way forward for the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and its supporters in light of these challenges?
Akram: The way forward is clear. We will continue to exercise our constitutional rights peacefully and assertively. We are committed to engaging with the public, fostering dialogue, and mobilizing peacefully for change. It’s essential that we stand united against any attempts to undermine our democratic processes.
Editor: Thank you, Sheikh Waqas Akram, for sharing your insights today. It appears that the situation is unfolding rapidly and we will continue to follow these developments closely.
Akram: Thank you for having me. I appreciate the opportunity to share our stance on these crucial issues.