LAHORE (Daily Point) — Punjab Assembly Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmed Khan has dismissed the importance of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party’s calls for protest, asserting that the PTI government in 2018 was formed with the support of the establishment.
The Punjab Assembly speaker questioned the opposition’s stance, suggesting that political discourse had degenerated into mere sloganeering, leaving little room for tangible performance or achievement.
In a candid interview with Farrukh Warraich Show, he expressed his views on the current political climate, stating that the PTI’s call for protest was of “no importance.” He said, “When politics is limited to sloganeering, what performance is expected?” He further emphasised that his responsibility, as a public office-holder, extends to both the government and the opposition, highlighting his commitment to ensuring dialogue and cooperation among all political factions.
Responding to the recent violence and unrest surrounding PTI’s protests, Khan raised concerns over the burning of Korka Commander’s house and vehicles, questioning how PTI leaders would justify such actions. “How will PTI explain the burning of Korka Commander’s house and vehicles?” he asked.
A strong advocate for dialogue, Khan noted the importance of open discussions but made it clear that action must follow words. “I am a supporter of dialogue but be ready to do something,” he said, underlining his belief that meaningful dialogue should lead to concrete solutions.
Khan also took the opportunity to address PTI’s contentious relationship with Pakistan’s military leadership, particularly former Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa. He defended General Bajwa’s integrity, stating that the general had always shown respect for Nawaz Sharif and had maintained a professional distance from the political process. He referred to Bajwa as a “respected” figure and questioned PTI’s contradictory stance towards him, saying, “They want to negotiate with the army and then they abuse him.”
Khan went on to recall a pivotal moment in his political journey, when he was involved in efforts to mediate between various factions within PTI. He explained that he had met with Shehbaz Sharif to discuss the role of the seven founding members of PTI, clarifying that they no longer held sway within the party.
