Defense: Safeguarding Nations and Liberty

ISLAMABAD (Waqas Ahmad, Rizwan Ghalzai) The National Assembly has passed a resolution in favor of prosecuting the individuals responsible for the tragic events that occurred on May 9 under the jurisdiction of the Army Act. However, Jamaat-e-Islami has expressed its opposition to this resolution. Defense Minister Khawaja Asif presented the resolution during the session of the National Assembly, which was chaired by Speaker Pervez Ashraf. It was stated that the consensus within the House is that a political party and its chairman unlawfully attacked military installations on May 9, thereby violating the constitution and the law. These actions have caused irreparable harm to the country, the state, and its institutions, with substantial evidence available. Therefore, it is imperative that legal action be promptly taken against those responsible, in accordance with the constitution and the law. Even the leaders and members of their own party have distanced themselves from the anti-national actions of this party and its leader, displaying indifference towards them. The House affirms that no violations of human rights were committed during the operations against these wrongdoers. The accusations and propaganda surrounding this matter are baseless, filled with lies and slander. The resolution emphasizes that armed forces worldwide possess the authority to respond to attacks on military installations, and the same legal and constitutional protection is applicable in this situation. Hence, the individuals involved in these incidents should be expeditiously subjected to punishment under the Pakistan Army Act of 1952.

Abdul Akbar Chitrali of Jamaat-e-Islami voiced opposition to the cases being heard in military courts, stating that the Prime Minister, Army Chief, and Chief Justice should not be above the law. Has the government and the judiciary failed? If not, then the cases should be tried in civil courts rather than military courts. In response, Defense Minister Khawaja Asif clarified that no new law had been enacted. He highlighted the attempted sabotage of 85 ships in Mianwali, underscoring the belief that the system had been compromised and that institutions had become involved. However, how can we tolerate attacks on our martyrs who make daily sacrifices? Should the attackers be set free? The reasons behind the targeting of military installations throughout the country must be revealed. This individual sought to wage war on the country to gain power. The legislation was initiated in response to their actions, which were subsequently halted. It is possible to appeal against the decisions of military courts to the Army Chief High Court and the Supreme Court.

Opposition leader Raja Riaz criticized the Chairman of PTI (Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf) and stated that they were accused of accepting money in exchange for using the phrase “Klama Haq.” It has now been proven that he, as usual, lied while we were telling the truth. He committed acts that even our enemies could not. Failing to hold him accountable would be against the national interest. The government should provide details of the actions taken against those involved in the May 9 tragedy. The Speaker requested a report from the Ministry of Defense and the Ministry of Interior. Raja Riaz described the budget as a balanced one and highlighted the closure of garages in Faisalabad due to expensive electricity, gas, and power outages. By reinstating the price control magistrate system nationwide, inflation could be reduced by 25 to 30 percent. Salahuddin of MQM (Muttahida Qaumi Movement) deemed the budget a compilation of unrealistic figures and criticized the lack of public facilities. With only two months remaining for the current government, the new government will present a revised budget.

The Chairman and Speaker of the National Assembly presented the salaries and allowances of members to the Senate, which entrusted the matter to the Standing Committee. In a meeting chaired by Chairman Sadiq Sanjrani, Minister of State Shahadat Awan introduced a resolution condemning the events of May 9. The resolution demanded punishment for the perpetrators and facilitators, expressing solidarity with the families of the martyrs of the Pakistan Army who sacrificed their lives for peace and stability. Asif Kirmani welcomed the opposition but questioned their leader regarding the unfulfilled promises of constructing five million houses and generating one crore jobs. Shaukat Tarin was advising his ministers not to allow the IMF to take over the government. The opposition leader is unwilling to engage with political forces and prefers to communicate with the army chief, who is also unresponsive. By attacking the Red Line, he has exposed his fascist nature. The opposition should be held accountable for the events of May 9, the attack on Quaid-i-Azam, and the assault on the army. This statement caused an uproar among the members of PTI, resulting in heated exchanges. Saifullah Abro and Zarqa continued to protest. The Chairman resolved the matter.

The leader of the opposition, Shehzad Waseem, criticized the budget, describing the figures as deceitful and manipulated. He claimed that the government’s dreams portrayed within the budget hold no significance. The coalition government, comprising 13 parties, has failed in all aspects. Within a year, the GDP plummeted from 6% to 0.29%. Inflation in the country has reached 38%, with food inflation at 48%. Waleed Iqbal regarded this budget as that of a destitute nation, presented without any funding. It remains to be seen whom they will borrow from. Tahir Bizenjo expressed dissatisfaction with the lack of provisions for Balochistan in the budget.