PESHAWAR: Treasury lawmakers in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Assembly on Monday claimed that the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) was being unfairly targeted. The remarks came amid debate over recent statements by the military spokesperson regarding militant attacks.
Read More: KP Assembly to debate unfair distribution of uplift funds
During an assembly session chaired by Deputy Speaker Suriyya Bibi, Housing Minister Dr Amjad Ali said PTI leaders and activists, including Senator Khurram Zeeshan and MPAs Malik Liaqat and Anwar Zeb, had faced attacks by militants. He also recalled that PTI founder Imran Khan had been shot at in the past.
Dr Ali criticized the military spokesperson for repeatedly holding press conferences against PTI while overlooking other issues. “The more they speak against the PTI, the more it strengthens the party,” he said, questioning why militants target mosques in KP rather than liquor shops or nightclubs in Punjab and Sindh. He also raised concerns about militants entering KP despite border fencing and drone surveillance.
Treasury MPA Malik Adeel Iqbal attributed the surge in turnout at PTI’s Hazara rally to the military spokesperson’s remarks. Opposition PPP member Ahmad Karim Kundi emphasized that law and order had been discussed in detail in previous sittings, noting that the provincial government supported military operations while seeking the inclusion of all stakeholders.
Law Minister Aftab Alam Afridi said security operations appeared aimed at belittling PTI and its founder. He also highlighted challenges faced by residents in Tirah due to militant activity.
Read More: Seat arrangement comes through in KP Senate polls
During the session, members discussed Zakat fund disbursements, irrigation projects in Dera Ismail Khan, and passed the KP Endowment Fund Kalash Community Bill, 2026. The KP Medical Teaching Institutions Reforms (Amendment) Bill, 2024, was also tabled. The assembly adjourned until January 26.