ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has strongly criticized the government for allegedly blocking their speeches during the ongoing budget debate on state-run Pakistan Television (PTV).
PTI leaders claim the government is deliberately preventing their viewpoints from reaching the public while providing uninterrupted coverage to government representatives.
Former National Assembly Speaker Asad Qaiser, Opposition Leader Omar Ayub Khan, Barrister Ali Zafar, Zartaj Gul Wazir, and others voiced concerns over this perceived media blackout at a press briefing outside Parliament House.
Legal Challenges and Political Allegations
Asad Qaiser highlighted that many PTI leaders have been embroiled in unresolved legal cases for over two years, mentioning Dr. Yasmin Rashid, a cancer patient, whose challan remains unsubmitted.
He also pointed out that production orders for PTI legislators, such as Senator Ejaz Chaudhry, are not being enforced, urging Senate Chairman Yousuf Raza Gillani to uphold parliamentary authority.
Barrister Ali Zafar echoed these concerns, warning that the Senate chairman’s credibility is at risk due to non-compliance with his orders, while accusing the government of registering politically motivated cases like the cipher case against PTI leadership.
Political Oppression and Budget Critique
Zartaj Gul Wazir accused the government of continuing oppression against women affiliated with PTI, singling out Bushra Bibi, the wife of PTI founder Imran Khan, as a target.
She also alleged that government delegations abroad focus on luxury trips rather than defending Pakistan’s interests.
Omar Ayub Khan labeled the entire budget process as flawed and lacking transparency, criticizing the government’s handling of economic affairs.
PTI’s allegations spotlight increasing political tensions as the budget debate unfolds, reflecting broader challenges in media access, governance, and accountability.
