Business Recorder
ISLAMABAD: The government came under severe criticism in National Assembly on Monday, as the opposition PTI issued a stark warning over the medical treatment of jailed former prime minister Imran Khan, while JUI-F raised alarms over the deteriorating law and order situation in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Speaking on a point of order in the National Assembly, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf-backed opposition leader in NA Mehmood Khan Achakzai issued an ultimatum to the government, demanding proper medical care for Khan and facilitation of his meetings within a week. Failure to comply, he warned, could paralyse parliamentary proceedings. “If Imran Khan does not receive adequate medical attention, and his meetings are not facilitated within seven days, we will not allow Parliament to function,” he declared, accusing the government of deliberately restricting Khan’s movements and undermining parliamentary authority. He asserted that the PTI, despite its victory in the 8 February 2024 general elections, had effectively been sidelined. “Has any parliament in the world ever been bought and sold? Yet this Parliament came into being through such practices. If restrictions on Imran Khan continue, do not be surprised when Parliament fails to operate,” he added, his words heavy with defiance. Meanwhile, Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman voiced grave concerns over the worsening security situation in KP and Balochistan, describing both provinces as “hotbeds of unrest.” He painted a bleak picture of civilians forced to flee their homes due to armed groups operating with impunity, accusing the government of failing to protect lives and property. He claimed that his party was being punished for upholding the Constitution, despite its loyalty, and cited ongoing violence in Bajaur, where operations over the past 15 to 20 years had only worsened the situation. He recounted an instance in which his party carried 80 bodies from a single gathering. Rehman also criticised the centralisation of decision-making, alleging that key policy choices were made without parliamentary scrutiny. He questioned why the government had not convened a closed-door session to address urgent matters, branding Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif “nominally in office” and holding the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP), a key government ally, responsible for the gradual rollback of the 18th Amendment, which protects provincial autonomy. On economic and foreign policy, Rehman raised pointed questions about persistently high oil prices despite global supply disruptions and mocked the government’s pursuit of international recognition, including a proposed Nobel Prize nomination for US President Donald Trump. He also expressed concern over federal oversight of seminaries, noting that students from these institutions continued to excel nationally despite central interventions. Highlighting the sacrifices of his party members, he said: “Many of my party’s members in the National Assembly, including Maulana Mirajuddin, Maulana Noor Muhammad, and Maulana Idrees, have been martyred.” Achakzai intensified the sense of urgency by highlighting the controversial use of drones in KP and Balochistan, warning that unrest could escalate into widespread chaos. “Why does the government insist on keeping people in jails,” he asked, accusing authorities of undermining Parliament and the judiciary. He warned of unrest across the country: “From Balochistan to KP, there is a climate of rebellion. Drones are being used in both provinces. Let us all sit together, including Nawaz Sharif, and agree on at least a few key points.” Achakzai also sounded the alarm over potential constitutional changes. “Another amendment is being prepared. Save this sinking ship. If something happens to Pakistan, the responsibility will lie with Nawaz Sharif, Asif Ali Zardari, Maulana Fazlur Rehman, and Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari,” he said. He added a stark warning to the government: “If the authorities do not correct the environment, there will be chaos.” Both Achakzai and Maulana Rehman framed their warnings around governance failures, accusing the federal government of curbing parliamentary authority and judicial independence, leaving citizens vulnerable. They called for immediate action to uphold constitutional processes, restore law and order, and ensure fair treatment for political detainees. Both PTI and JUI-F threatened walkouts or other forms of disruption if their demands were ignored. Copyright Business Recorder, 2026
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