Denial of meeting with Imran Khan violates court orders, reflects authoritarian governance: CM’s aide
Peshawar
Special Assistant to Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on Information and Public Relations Shafi Jan has stated that denial of meeting with founding chairman of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, Imran Khan, is a violation of court orders and a clear example of authoritarian governance.
In a statement, he said that according to the orders of the Islamabad High Court, Tuesday was designated for a meeting between PTI founder Imran Khan and his family as well as legal counsel. However, Punjab government once again did not allow the meeting to take place.
He added that continued defiance of court orders and undemocratic attitude of the Punjab government reflects an authoritarian style of governance. A large number of PTI lawmakers, office-bearers, and workers had gathered peacefully outside Adiala Jail, but the Punjab Police not only baton-charged the peaceful protesters but also arrested several workers and damaged their vehicles.
Shafi Jan further said that out of fear of Imran Khan, Punjab government has imposed an undeclared ban on meetings between the political leadership, lawyers and family members. He said Punjab government is neither upholding the Constitution and the law nor respecting court directives, while jail authorities are repeatedly violating judicial orders.
He stated that Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa along with party leadership, has pursued every constitutional, legal and democratic avenue to meet Imran Khan. However, he criticized the federal and Punjab governments, and said that their focus remains on political victimization rather than addressing public issues.
He also said that a petition has been filed in the Court seeking permission for a public gathering at Liaquat Bagh after the Punjab government denied approval. He emphasized that every political party, including PTI, has the constitutional right to carry out peaceful political activities in any part of the country.
Shafi Jan concluded by saying that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa remains the only province where all political parties enjoy complete political freedom, while the priorities of federal and Punjab governments have been reduced to political retaliation instead of providing public relief and ensuring economic stability.
