The opposition leader of the National Assembly and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Omar Ayub staged a walkout from the National Assembly, demanding the release of the party’s imprisoned leaders, including founding chairman Imran Khan, and a halt to alleged threats against party members.
As the session began, Deputy Speaker Syed Mir Ghulam Mustafa Shah announced the assembly proceedings, but issues arose immediately when PTI member Iqbal Afridi pointed out a quorum issue. The session was adjourned for 15 minutes as the quorum was not met.
Speaking to the media after the session, opposition leader Omar Ayub condemned the government’s actions, saying, “We will not be part of this session until Imran Khan and PTI workers are released. The continued threats against our members to resign must stop.”
He further accused the government of pressuring PTI’s Punjab members to resign from their seats under duress.
The opposition’s walkout was supported by several political parties, with the exception of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (F). Ayub and his colleagues demanded the immediate release of PTI members, warning that they would not return to the assembly until their demands were addressed.
Meanwhile, during the session, the absence of key ministers was also highlighted. Ayub questioned why only one minister of state and one federal minister were present in the assembly. “Where are the other ministers? They should be here to answer the questions we have,” he added.
The walkout followed increasing tensions within the National Assembly over the handling of political demands, with opposition parties pushing for the release of their leaders and greater political freedom for party members.
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder deferred his call for civil disobedience movement for a while, his sister said on Tuesday, as the government minister placed the onus on the opposition party to create conducive environment for a political dialogue.
Aleema Khan spoke to the media after meeting Imran Khan in the Adiala Jail, saying that her brother had warned of asking overseas Pakistanis to halt remittances if his two demands were not met – a judicial inquiry into the May 9, 2023 and November 26, 2024 incidents, and the release of party workers.
