ISLAMABAD (PEN) : Following the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has also voiced concerns over a looming constitutional crisis in the country, fueled by an ongoing dispute over reserved seats.
During an appearance on a TV talk show, senior PTI leader Hamid Khan remarked that the current government’s actions were steering the country towards a constitutional breakdown. He criticized the PML-N government for opposing the Supreme Court’s decision to grant reserved seats to the PTI, warning that ignoring the apex court’s judgments could destabilize the entire constitutional system.
In the same program, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif echoed these fears, speaking of an imminent “constitutional meltdown.” Although he did not provide specifics, Asif expressed a gut feeling that a breakdown was unavoidable. He clarified, however, that he was not suggesting the imposition of martial law and emphasized the need for political solutions to political problems.
Facing criticism from various quarters, Asif acknowledged that the PML-N-led government had prematurely announced a move to ban the PTI without sufficient consultation with allies. He stressed that any decision regarding the ban would be made collectively with coalition partners to ensure broad consensus.
Asif also addressed the perception that the current government was facilitating an institutional crackdown on PTI founder Imran Khan, refuting these claims by stating that the issue was about Pakistan’s well-being. He argued that since their removal from power, the PTI had posed an existential threat to the country, allegedly receiving extensive support from the US through diplomatic and legislative channels.
Asif warned that the government would do whatever it takes to preserve the current political setup. He mentioned rumors about possible efforts to cancel upcoming elections but reiterated the government’s resolve to maintain stability.
As the political landscape remains tense, both PML-N and PTI leaders express deep concerns for the future, emphasizing the need for adherence to constitutional norms and broad political consensus to navigate through these challenging times.
