Sohail Afridi has been one of my long-time and loyal companions from the Insaf Student Federation (ISF). I have full confidence that, in line with our expectations and the vision of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), he will bring real change as Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. I also appreciate Ali Amin Gandapur for ensuring a smooth and dignified transfer of power on this occasion.
I once again demand the formation of a Judicial Commission to investigate the four major incidents of mass killings that took place over the last two years — May 9, November 26, Azad Kashmir, and Muridke. In all these tragedies, many unarmed citizens were martyred.
Regarding the May 9 false-flag operation, my stance has always been that CCTV footage of the incident should be made public and an independent, transparent judicial inquiry should be held. Unfortunately, no such action has been taken. Instead, false cases were filed against the victims themselves, and without fair investigation or evidence, they were sentenced to 10 years in prison by military and so-called “kangaroo” courts. In reality, that day unarmed citizens and supporters were fired upon.
The same tragedy was repeated on November 26, when peaceful protestors were shot at directly. Had the truth about May 9 been revealed, the November 26 and later incidents would not have happened. Then, in Azad Kashmir and now in Muridke, protestors have again been victims of state brutality. Establishing a Judicial Commission for independent investigations into these events is essential so the oppressed can get justice and those responsible for the killings are punished.
If a Judicial Commission is not formed this time to investigate the killing of unarmed citizens, I fear the next tragedy will be even worse, because the oppression and violence are continuously increasing.
After Friday prayers, I urge all our workers and the public in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to come out and demand Judicial Commissions for all four incidents — May 9, November 26, Azad Kashmir, and Muridke.
Today, everything in the country is happening under “Asim Law.” All courts have effectively turned into military courts, and ordinary courts are being run in the same way as military ones.
After the 26th unconstitutional amendment, the hope for justice from courts has almost vanished. The growing lawlessness and injustice in the country are direct results of that amendment. Our petitions were presented before Justices Qazi Faez Isa, Amin-ud-Din, Aamir Farooq, and Dogar — yet we did not receive justice from anywhere.
Asim Munir, Qazi Faez Isa, and Sikandar Sultan Raja have stolen our mandate and imposed an incompetent and illegitimate “Form-47 government” on Pakistan — one that has no vision, no ability, and no authority to solve the country’s real problems. They have no policy or understanding to deal with terrorism, establish peace, or manage relations with other nations.
History proves that the military dictators’ approach — trying to solve everything through the use of force — has never succeeded in the long run. The conflict with Afghanistan cannot be solved militarily; it requires a political solution. It is therefore the duty of politicians to act wisely and ensure lasting peace in the country.
The fake “Form-47 government” neither has the mandate nor the capability to play an effective role in bringing peace. During our time, terrorism was at its lowest level. If I am released on parole, I can personally help resolve issues with Afghanistan and work toward establishing lasting peace.”