PTI’s protests aim to destabilise Pakistan, not secure leader’s release: PA Speaker

Speaker of the Punjab Assembly, Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan, has accused Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) of pursuing an agenda of chaos and instability under the guise of political protests. Addressing a press conference at the Punjab Assembly, he stated that PTI’s demonstrations are not intended to secure the release of their founder but rather to disrupt national harmony and damage the country’s reputation.

“PTI has devolved from a political movement to a mob of rioters, inflicting harm on public and private property,” he remarked. Citing the events of May 9, the Speaker accused PTI of deliberately targeting state institutions, calling it undeniable evidence of the party’s destructive agenda.

Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan criticised PTI for disregarding the rules and norms of political protests. “Instead of exercising their democratic rights responsibly, their sole objective appears to be spreading discord and undermining national dignity,” he said, urging the government to take decisive action against the party to preserve stability.

The Speaker also called out PTI for hypocrisy in claiming to uphold judicial supremacy. He highlighted the party’s failure to respect the Lahore High Court’s decision barring protests, asserting that its actions contradicted its stated commitment to the rule of law.

He accused PTI of staging protests to coincide with the Chinese President’s visit and the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) meeting, labelling it a calculated conspiracy to embarrass Pakistan on the international stage.

Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan further criticised the party for politicising Independence Day celebrations on 14 August. “Instead of uniting the nation on this significant day, PTI turned it into a spectacle of division and protest, tarnishing the spirit of national pride,” he lamented.

He concluded by urging political stakeholders to prioritise national interest over personal or party agendas, warning that continued disruption would further harm Pakistan’s global standing and internal cohesion.