Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Minister for Information and Public Relations Shafi Jan has strongly condemned the arrest of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf Khyber Pakhtunkhwa President Junaid Akbar Khan and other party lawmakers in Gilgit-Baltistan.
In a statement issued here, the provincial minister termed the action of the Gilgit-Baltistan government an illegal move and a blatant example of political victimization. He said the arrest of elected representatives is against democratic norms and a direct insult to the public mandate.
Shafi Jan stated that participating in an election campaign is the constitutional, legal, and democratic right of every political party. However, he regretted that Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf is being denied even this fundamental democratic right.
He said that while other political parties are being allowed to campaign freely in Gilgit-Baltistan, only Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf is being deliberately targeted and obstructed. He questioned what the Gilgit-Baltistan government fears that it has resorted to arresting elected public representatives.
The provincial minister said such undemocratic tactics cannot weaken the determination of PTI’s leadership and workers. Despite political pressure and retaliatory actions, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf will continue its struggle with the support of the people.
Shafi Jan further stated that the government has become fearful of Imran Khan’s public popularity and has therefore adopted pre-election retaliatory measures and undemocratic tactics.
He added that the people of Gilgit-Baltistan will reject the politics of revenge through the power of their vote and will once again prove their support for Imran Khan by ensuring a decisive victory for PTI candidates.