By: Shahzad Naveed
Swat: Adviser to the chief minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) on information, Barrister Muhammad Ali Saif, has said that there is no chance of the government transition in the province, the current government is strong and will continue to work with its constitutional mandate.
Addressing a press conference at the Swat Press Club, he claimed that the Supreme Court verdict on reserved seats is a direct attempt to sideline Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), warning that the entire nation will suffer the consequences.
Barrister Saif stated that under the guise of the 26th Constitutional Amendment, the people’s mandate is being violated. “Handing over PTI’s reserved seats to other parties is nothing short of electoral theft,” he said. “Those tasked with safeguarding the Constitution have stabbed the nation in the back.”
Speaking about PTI founder Imran Khan, he said the former Prime Minister is being punished for crimes he never committed. “False cases were filed against him, he was arrested, and is now unjustly imprisoned to suppress PTI’s popularity — but the nation still stands with Imran Khan and they will, God willing, emerge victorious,” Saif asserted.
He also slammed the ANP leader Aimal Wali Khan, demanding that he first clarify how the establishment made him a senator from Balochistan before criticising others. “Those who were brought forward under the shadow of the establishment have no moral right to criticise others,” Saif said.
Referring to JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman, Saif claimed that he is the biggest beneficiary of reserved seats. “If he is sincere in his religious claims, he should voluntarily withdraw from those seats. Let him first bring democracy to his party before lecturing others,” he added.
Barrister Saif called upon the so-called democratic parties to return the reserved seats allotted to PTI, arguing that it is neither their constitutional nor moral right. “Snatching PTI’s seats and handing them to others is a clear betrayal of the people’s trust.”
On economic matters, he stated that PTI wants to promote trade with Afghanistan to uplift the economy of border regions, but faces unjustified opposition. “When the Sindh Chief Minister signs trade agreements with China, no one questions it. But when we seek regional trade ties, we are unfairly criticised. This double standard is unacceptable,” he said.
Regarding terrorism, Saif emphasised that the issue could not be resolved by military operations alone. “It is a social, political, and administrative problem that requires public involvement and seriousness from state institutions.”
He lamented the federal government’s failure to provide financial and technical assistance, and its continued disregard for Apex Committee recommendations.
Commenting on the recent Swat tragedy, he said a comprehensive report had been prepared and strict action would be taken against those found negligent. He concluded by affirming his allegiance to PTI, not the establishment, and stated, “False cases were filed against me too, attempts were made to arrest me, but I have never paid extortion nor will I ever do so.”
