Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari Endorses PTI’s Call for Judicial Inquiry: May 9 Riots Explained

Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari’s endorsement of PTI’s call for a judicial inquiry into the May 9 riots marks a significant moment in Pakistan’s political landscape. His maiden speech in the National Assembly emphasized the need for transparency and accountability, urging the Supreme Court of Pakistan to initiate a thorough investigation.

This move highlights the commitment to upholding democratic principles and seeking justice for the events that transpired on May 9. As discussions on electoral reforms and national reconciliation continue, it’s evident that the Pakistani political arena is evolving, with key players like Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari shaping its trajectory towards a more transparent and inclusive future.

Bilawal’s Support for Judicial Inquiry

In his maiden speech during a session of the newly elected National Assembly, PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari on Monday endorsed the PTI’s call for a judicial inquiry into the May 9 riots.

He made these remarks in reference to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur’s recent call for the formation of a judicial commission to investigate the violent protests that erupted across the country following PTI founder Imran Khan’s arrest on May 9 last year.

Gandapur had fiery speech after being elected the chief executive of KP, saying, “I call upon the chief justice Supreme Court of Pakistan (Justice Qaez Faiz Isa) to form [a judicial commission] and see who are the beneficiaries [of May 9].”

Speaking on the floor of the lower house of the Parliament today, Bilawal endorsed Gandapur’s demand. However, he also emphasized that the result should be accepted by everyone, including the Imran-led party.

Bilawal stated, “It is not possible that someone attacks our institution and the memorial of our martyrs and we forget it. We cannot take our politics forward unless we address this issue, and this is why the PPP appeals to the prime minister to form a judicial commission. Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa should form the commission.”

Bilawal emphasized that a thorough investigation into the events of May 9 would provide clarity. He asserted, “I will advocate for the punishment of those proven guilty and also call for the release of those who are innocent.”

The PPP leader supported the PTI’s demand for an inquiry into election irregularities. During his hour-long speech, which was interrupted by noisy protests from the opposition benches, Bilawal endorsed PM Shehbaz Sharif’s proposal for a national reconciliation charter.

He not only endorsed it but also urged opposition friends to participate in this process. Bilawal congratulated the newly elected chief ministers of all four provinces and emphasized their role in safeguarding Pakistan’s democracy and economy.

Addressing the opposition, he stated, “The people of Pakistan are weary of poverty, unemployment, and inflation. They did not cast their votes for you to engage in mutual abuse and chaos.”

Furthermore, Bilawal highlighted the urgent need for judicial and electoral reforms, expressing his party’s willingness to engage in discussions on the matter.

Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari expressed his endorsement of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur’s call for a judicial commission to probe the violent protests that erupted following PTI founder Imran Khan’s arrest on May 9 last year. He called upon the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Pakistan, Justice Qaez Faiz Isa, to form a judicial commission to investigate the beneficiaries of the May 9 events.

Addressing the Nation’s Concerns:

Speaking on the floor of the lower house of the Parliament, Bilawal emphasized the importance of an extensive investigation into the May 9 events to bring clarity. He urged that the results of the inquiry should be accepted by everyone, including the PTI, stating, “It is not possible that someone attacks our institution and the memorial of our martyrs, and we forget it.” Bilawal stressed that addressing this issue is crucial for moving forward in Pakistani politics.

Bilawal went on to state that a thorough investigation should lead to the punishment of those proven guilty and the release of those who are innocent. He reiterated his party’s commitment to justice and accountability in the political landscape.

Support for PTI’s Demands:

In the meantime, Asad Qaiser, a PTI-backed lawmaker, emphatically asserted that neither his leader, Imran Khan, nor the party would “bow down”.

During a passionate address on the parliamentary floor, Qaiser declared, “I want to make this clear; the time of fear has passed. We have emerged from all situations with unwavering determination.”

Qaiser also insisted that the Supreme Court establish a judicial commission to investigate the cipher controversy, which lies at the core of the PTI’s allegations of foreign interference in the party’s removal.

“Our party’s position is crystal clear: the Supreme Court must form a judicial commission,” he lamented, highlighting that the use of cipher formed the basis for Imran’s conviction and subsequent punishment.

Furthermore, Qaiser emphasized the need for a judicial commission to probe allegations of rigging in the February 8 polls. He stated, “We extend an invitation to all parties concerned about these elections, whether they hail from Balochistan, Sindh, Punjab, or Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.”

He concluded by affirming, “We will unite everyone in pursuit of constitutional supremacy, an independent judiciary, and civilian authority.”

Unity in Investigating Election Irregularities

The PPP leader extended support to the PTI regarding the latter’s demand for a probe into election irregularities. In his hour-long speech, Bilawal also backed PM Shehbaz Sharif’s call for a charter of national reconciliation, urging opposition parties to participate in the process.

Appeal for Cooperation:

Highlighting the dire need for judicial and electoral reforms, Bilawal appealed to the prime minister to form a judicial commission and expressed his party’s willingness to participate in discussions regarding reforms.

PTI’s Resilience:

However, PTI Chairman Gohar Ali Khan characterized the PM’s election, in which Shehbaz emerged victorious, as a “sad day for democracy”.

He expressed disbelief, stating, “None of us imagined that such an individual would be elected, that the reins of Pakistan’s atomic power would be entrusted to someone lacking a public mandate and who has held power for four decades.”

Gohar went on to accuse Bilawal of “burying” his grandfather’s politics and criticized both the PPP and the PML-N for perpetuating “dynasty politics”. According to him, Imran Khan was the force behind ending this dynastic trend, allowing a worker like himself to assume the role of PTI chairman.

Meanwhile, PTI-backed lawmaker Asad Qaiser asserted that neither Imran Khan nor the party would “bow down.” In an impassioned speech, Qaiser stated that the time of fear has passed, and the party has emerged headstrong from all situations.

PTI’s Stance on Foreign Involvement

Qaiser demanded that the Supreme Court constitute a judicial commission on the cipher controversy, central to PTI’s allegation of foreign involvement in the party’s ouster. He emphasized the need for transparency in addressing the allegations.

PTI Chairman Gohar Ali Khan termed the PM’s election a “sad day for democracy.” He criticized the selection, alleging that power was handed over to someone without a public mandate, highlighting concerns about dynasty politics.

Ruckus and Interruptions:

During his speech, Bilawal faced intense sloganeering from PTI-backed lawmakers who repeatedly chanted “go Nawaz go”, leading to several warnings from NA Speaker Ayaz Sadiq.

Similarly, Sadiq took action against Bilawal for using the term “cartoons” while referring to opposition members. The PPP leader acknowledged his mistake and allowed the words to be expunged.

Earlier, as newly elected Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif was greeted by members of the treasury benches, PTI-backed lawmakers continued their chants of “shame shame”.

Meanwhile, the YouTube livestream of the session experienced interruptions. During his speech, Bilawal condemned the raid on Pashtoonkhwa Milli Awami Party (PkMAP) Chairman Mahmood Achakzai’s residence the previous night. Notably, Achakzai is also the PTI’s nominee for the presidential elections.

The PPP leader urged Balochistan Chief Minister Safaraz Bugti and PM Shehbaz to take notice of the raid and then gave the floor to Achakzai. However, as soon as the PkMAP leader began speaking, the Parliament’s YouTube livestream inexplicably ended.

It’s worth noting that Achakzai delivered a forceful speech in the NA last week, addressing the alleged role of the military establishment in politics and expressing support for the jailed PTI founder Imran Khan.

In addition to Achakzai, the speeches of PTI-backed lawmakers Asad Qaiser, Omer Ayub Khan, and Balochistan National Party’s Akhtar Mengal were also disrupted in today’s NA’s YouTube livestream.

Ayub raised the same concern at the beginning of the NA session, highlighting that his speech in the house yesterday was censored.

Disruptions in the National Assembly

Bilawal’s speech faced intense sloganeering from PTI-backed lawmakers, chanting ‘go Nawaz go,’ prompting warnings from NA Speaker Ayaz Sadiq. The disruptions and interruptions in the YouTube livestream added to the chaotic atmosphere.

Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari’s endorsement of PTI’s call for a judicial inquiry reflects a pivotal moment in Pakistan’s political landscape. His emphasis on accountability, justice, and the need for reforms sets the stage for a more transparent and inclusive future in the country’s political discourse. The dynamics between PPP and PTI, along with the challenges posed by interruptions and disruptions in the National Assembly, underscore the urgency for unity and cooperation to address the nation’s concerns and move towards a more stable political environment.

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