PPP senators slam PTI’s Aug 5 plans, warn against repeating May 9 violence

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) on Thursday lashed out at Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) over its planned rally at Minar-e-Pakistan on August 5, warning that the country could experience a repeat of violent events of May 9 if such politics continues.

Addressing a press conference here, PPP Senator Palwasha Khan, along with Senator Quratulain Marri, said: “We do not want another May-9 like environment in the country. Those who fled from D-Chowk will run from Minar-e-Pakistan as well.”

Taking a direct aim at PTI founder Imran Khan, Senator Palwasha said, “Prisoner number 804 has played a role no less destructive than Modi or Netanyahu.”

She also criticised the All Parties Conference (APC) convened in KP, calling it one-sided and exclusionary. “Parties that made real sacrifices are now being put on trial, while others are being conveniently left out,” she said.

The PPP senators also strongly condemned the recent murder of a woman and a man in Balochistan. Senator Palwasha said if such lawlessness was to persist, “then the courts might be shut down as well”.

She noted that Chairman PPP Bilawal Bhutto Zardari was the first to condemn the incident. She said in Sindh province, even a camel’s broken leg raises alarm, but in Balochistan, the killing of two people is met with silence. “But we will not remain quiet.”

Senator Quratulain Marri slammed the KP government over its failure to ensure accountability. “There is no trace of accountability in KP, and no one even asks hard questions anymore,” she said.

On the recent tragedy in Swat, Senator Quratulain said the loss of life was not accidental but due to “willful negligence,” and those responsible must face consequences.

She praised Sindh’s flood-resilient housing schemes and called for action against illegal encroachments on storm water drains. “Housing societies that block natural drainage must be held responsible,” she urged.