Senator Siddiqui Criticizes PTI for Attacking Federation

In recent political developments in Pakistan, Senator Irfanul Haque Siddiqui, who is the Parliamentary Party Leader of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) in the Senate and also chairs the Foreign Affairs Committee, has voiced his strong disapproval of the actions taken by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leadership. He has accused the PTI of repeatedly attacking the federation through the provincial government of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (KP).

In a statement shared on his official ‘X’ account, Senator Siddiqui reflected on the historical context of political rivalries in Pakistan. He pointed out that while there have been tensions between political parties, such as the PML-N and the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), there has never been a situation where a provincial government, led by a chief minister, has launched an offensive against the federation. He emphasized that these actions by the PTI are unprecedented in the country’s political history.

Senator Siddiqui recalled significant protests that occurred during the PTI's governance in KP, specifically mentioning the 2016 protest led by then Chief Minister Pervez Khattak and the 2022 protest led by former Prime Minister Imran Khan alongside then Chief Minister Mahmood Khan. He criticized the current Chief Minister, Ali Amin Gandapur, for following in the footsteps of his predecessors, suggesting that he is using provincial resources to attack the federal government.

Furthermore, Siddiqui condemned the PTI for what he described as turning “attacks on the federation” into a routine practice. He stated that no political party in any democratic country engages in such behavior, which he deemed as unparliamentary. This raises a critical question: can any political group that acts unlawfully be recognized as a legitimate political entity?

The remarks made by Senator Siddiqui highlight a growing concern regarding the political climate in Pakistan. The actions of the PTI, as described by Siddiqui, not only challenge the norms of political conduct but also threaten the stability of the federation. As citizens observe these developments, it becomes essential to reflect on the importance of maintaining democratic principles and fostering a political environment where dialogue and cooperation prevail over conflict and division.