The govt’s violent tactics and denial of basic democratic rights represent a blatant violation of the Constitution
Islamabad
Ameer of Jamaat-e-Islami Punjab, Dr. Tariq Saleem, has strongly condemned the police brutality, bloody crackdown, and violent assault on protesters participating in the solidarity march of Tehreek-e-Labaik Pakistan (TLP). He described the incident as an act of state terrorism and oppression, holding the Punjab government responsible for shedding the blood of unarmed citizens.
Dr. Tariq Saleem said that the government’s actions to suppress dissent and prevent citizens from expressing their opinions through peaceful protest are extremely dangerous and have caused deep anxiety across the nation. He demanded the immediate release of TLP’s arrested leadership and workers, along with a transparent and impartial investigation into what he called the Muridke tragedy, so that those responsible may be brought to justice.
He further stated that the government’s violent tactics and denial of basic democratic rights represent a blatant violation of the Constitution. “Peaceful protest is the right of every citizen,” Dr. Tariq Saleem said. “It is the government’s responsibility to resolve public grievances through dialogue and negotiation, not through force and violence.
Unfortunately, the rulers have chosen the path of repression, staining their hands with the blood of innocent people. Dr. Tariq Saleem demanded that the government immediately release TLP chief Saad Rizvi, hand over the bodies of the deceased to their families and ensure urgent medical treatment for the injured. He also condemned the siege and demolition of mosques, houses, and monasteries, calling such acts deeply unjust and unacceptable in a democratic society.
He emphasized that depriving citizens of their constitutional, political, and democratic rights is tantamount to dictatorship. “Silencing the people’s right to peaceful protest,” he said, “is the worst form of authoritarianism and must be condemned by all democratic forces.”
