Constitutional violations are being made to extend the government’s tenure: Claims Zrataj Gul
Zartaj Gul, a leader of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and former federal minister, spoke out against what she described as constitutional violations being made to extend the tenure of a government holding just 17 seats.
Addressing the media in Islamabad, Gul expressed her concerns that the current government had targeted not only the judiciary but also journalists, and had portrayed political workers as terrorists. She criticized the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) government for failing to protect the constitution, provinces, and political parties, leaving the judiciary as the only institution not harmed.
Gul also lamented the aftermath of the 26th constitutional amendment, which she said had made the Supreme Court, its judges, and its benches controversial. She questioned the state of affairs under the PML-N government, pointing out that even lawyers were now facing lawsuits simply for defending innocent people.
She emphasized that while political ideologies may differ, politicians are still free to cooperate across party lines. She clarified that if Maulana Fazlur Rehman or any other party were to join PTI, it didn’t mean their ideologies aligned with PTI’s. “Political parties have different views,” she said.
On the topic of a grand alliance, Gul urged the nation to come together in support of PTI, stressing that everyone should stand with Imran Khan, as PTI is currently the only party taking a firm stand. She called on all political parties to unite behind the founder of PTI.
Zartaj Gul also accused the government of undermining the constitution, the Supreme Court, and its judges to maintain a grip on power despite its minimal mandate. She claimed that on February 8th, the people’s mandate had been “stolen.”
Finally, she clarified that in his letter to Army Chief General Asim Munir, Imran Khan had not asked for personal favors but had raised concerns about constitutional violations, law enforcement, and human rights abuses.
