Opposition Will Protest Inside and Outside Parliament, Says PTI’s Aamir Dogar

ISLAMABAD (ABN News): Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Malik Aamir Dogar has strongly criticized what he called the “political victimization” of elected representatives through false and baseless cases.

Speaking on ABN News’ program “Sawal Se Aagay”, Dogar said that convictions in May 9 cases are being used as tools to disrespect democracy and the Parliament.

He condemned the recent 10-year sentences handed down to PTI leaders Shibli Faraz and Ahmad Khan Bhachar, calling them a “dark chapter in history.” He asserted that the government is using state institutions to suppress dissent, silence opposing voices, and target PTI leaders through manipulated court verdicts.

Dogar declared that PTI lawmakers will continue their protests both inside and outside Parliament, emphasizing, “We will face oppression in the House. History will record that we neither bowed nor stayed silent in the face of political injustice.” He also alleged that five PTI MNAs have been disqualified and that “bids were placed” to buy loyalty.

He further accused the judiciary of becoming submissive and losing public trust after the 26th constitutional amendment, alleging that institutions were involved in “buying conscience” and dictating verdicts. “We will not let Parliament become a puppet show,” Dogar stated, vowing to remain steadfast in the democratic struggle.

Referring to senior politician Mian Azhar, Dogar condemned the mistreatment of the 84-year-old leader and insisted that PTI’s protest strategy—political, legal, and peaceful—will continue despite arrests and threats of crackdowns. He warned that the government was already prepared to use force against protestors outside Adiala Jail and accused state institutions of violating human rights and the Constitution by targeting PTI.

On the same program, Federal Minister Tariq Fazal Chaudhry responded by saying that no one should celebrate the disqualification or punishment of any politician. “The law applies equally to all, whether a parliamentarian or a common citizen,” he said, adding that despite political differences, respect for the judiciary and institutions must be maintained.

He stressed that the cases related to the May 9 incidents were not filed by the PML-N or the government, but by the state of Pakistan itself. “These cases represent the voice of 250 million citizens,” he said, calling the attacks on national assets, martyrs’ memorials, and military installations “unforgivable.”

Chaudhry emphasized that protest in the name of political dissent must not involve violence or armed groups, and urged PTI to abandon what he termed “destructive politics.” He welcomed dialogue but expressed concern that PTI’s protest outside Adiala Jail could disrupt life in Rawalpindi.

Shifting focus to the economy, he also highlighted the role of profiteers and hoarders in worsening inflation. He said the government, FBR, and law enforcement agencies are actively pursuing these networks, and the elimination of artificial inflation remains a top priority.