During his first address in the newly elected National Assembly, PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari supported the PTI’s proposal for a judicial inquiry into the riots that occurred on May 9. This endorsement came in response to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur’s call for a judicial commission to investigate the violent protests that erupted after PTI founder Imran Khan’s arrest on May 9 last year. Bilawal emphasized the need for clarity on the events of May 9 and called for a judicial commission to be formed by Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa to investigate the matter.
Additionally, Bilawal expressed support for the PTI’s demand for an investigation into election irregularities and endorsed PM Shehbaz Sharif’s proposal for a charter of national reconciliation. He urged the opposition to participate in the reconciliation process for the betterment of Pakistan’s democracy and economy. The PPP leader also highlighted the need for judicial and electoral reforms in the country.
PTI-backed lawmaker Asad Qaiser reiterated the party’s commitment to not backing down and demanded a judicial commission on the cipher controversy and allegations of rigging in the February 8 polls. He called for all concerned parties to come together for the Constitution’s supremacy and an independent judiciary.
Meanwhile, PTI Chairman Gohar Ali Khan criticized the election of Shehbaz Sharif as PM, calling it a “sad day for democracy.” He accused the PPP and PML-N of dynasty politics and praised Imran Khan for ending such practices.
Bilawal’s speech was disrupted by PTI lawmakers chanting slogans, and there were interruptions in the Parliament’s YouTube livestream during certain speeches. The raid on PkMAP Chairman Mahmood Achakzai’s residence was condemned by Bilawal, who called on Balochistan CM Safaraz Bugti and PM Shehbaz to take action. Achakzai’s speech was abruptly cut off during the livestream, along with speeches by other lawmakers.