Omar Ayub calls for judicial probe into May 9 riots amid concerns for democracy

Islamabad: Opposition Leader in the National Assembly Omar Ayub Khan expressed serious concerns over the state of democracy in Pakistan during a session held on Monday.

In his address to the National Assembly, Ayub Khan advocated for the establishment of an independent judicial commission to probe the events of May 9.

He emphasized his appointment as opposition leader by his party leader and stressed the importance of adhering to the founding principles of the PTI.

Expressing dissatisfaction with President Asif Zardari's unchanged rhetoric over the years, Ayub lamented the absence of genuine democracy in the nation and criticized the perceived interference of the establishment in political affairs.

He raised concerns regarding the disappearance of CCTV footage from the judicial complex and called for accountability for those responsible.

During his speech on the floor of the assembly, Omar Ayub also called IGP Punjab Dr. Usman Anwar as “Gullu Butt” of the PML-N. He said that the Punjab police was ill-disciplined force under IGP Dr. Usman Anwar.

He regretted that the lawyers were baton charged on May 9 by the police.

He also said that the CCTV footages of the sensitive areas of that day should be brought before the public for record.

Ayub urged for the formation of an independent judicial commission to investigate various historical incidents, including Hamoodur Rehman, Ojhri Camp, Abbottabad, and Army Public School tragedies.

Besides it, he highlighted alleged interference in the judiciary, citing instances such as the closure of social media accounts and the disappearance of the Rawalpindi commissioner.

Ayub also brought attention to incidents like the intrusion into the PTI founder's residence and alleged targeting of the PTI government. He referenced Defence Minister Khawaja Asif's admission in an interview regarding dialogue with former army chief Gen Bajwa.