Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has strongly criticized the Punjab government over the suspension of 26 of its lawmakers and accused it of suppressing democracy. During a joint press conference at the Islamabad Press Club, PTI leaders Salman Akram Raja, Malik Ahmed Khan Bhachar, and Latif Khosa denounced what they called a politically motivated crackdown.
Opposition Leader in the Punjab Assembly, Malik Ahmed Khan Bhachar, alleged that the Chief Minister is ruling with a “fake mandate” and claimed PTI members are being punished for speaking out. He argued that peaceful protest during the budget session is being treated as a crime and demanded transparency in how the assembly is being run.
Bhachar also criticized the Speaker for biased behavior, stating that opposition lawmakers were unfairly told to resign. He questioned the passage of the Rs. 509 billion supplementary budget, claiming it was passed with only 23 votes, undermining the democratic process. “If the house won’t function fairly, we’ll take our assembly to the streets,” he warned.
Senior PTI leader Latif Khosa mocked the suspension of exactly 26 members and said the current political system has become a “joke.” He accused the federal government of backing an artificial setup in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and condemned what he called violations of basic human and constitutional rights.
Salman Akram Raja also expressed outrage, calling the political system “built on lies” and accusing powerful institutions of targeting elected representatives. He pledged to challenge the suspensions in court and through nationwide protests. “We will not stay silent. We’ll fight for our rights and lead the country toward justice,” he said.
This bold stance by PTI signals a sharp rise in political tension, as the party prepares for both legal battles and mass mobilization. With 106 members behind it, PTI is positioning itself as a major force against what it calls the collapse of democratic order in Punjab.