SWAT: The adviser to the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government on information and public relations, Barrister Muhammad Ali Saif, on Sunday strongly criticised the Supreme Court’s decision regarding the reserved seats, calling it one of the “most notorious and unconstitutional” judgments in Pakistan’s history.
Addressing a press conference at the Swat Press Club, Barrister Saif alleged that through the 26th constitutional amendment, the people’s mandate was being violated; warning that the entire nation would suffer the consequences of the verdict, which, he claimed, was an attempt to sideline Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI).
“Awarding PTI’s reserved seats to other parties is a robbery of the public vote,” he said. “Whenever it matters the most, the decision-makers stabbed the nation in the back.”
He further stated that the PTI founder and former prime minister, Imran Khan, was being punished for crimes he never committed. “False cases were filed against him, he was arrested, and now he remains imprisoned simply to suppress the PTI. But the nation still stands firmly with him, and God willing, he will emerge victorious,” he added.
Talking about ANP leader Aimal Wali Khan, Barrister Saif questioned as to how he was made a senator from Balochistan with the alleged support of the establishment. “Those who rise under the shadow of the establishment have no moral right to criticise others,” he remarked.
Barrister Saif also criticised JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman, labeling him the biggest beneficiary of the reserved seats. “If he sincerely believes in Islamic values, he should voluntarily relinquish his party’s reserved seats and first introduce democracy within his own party instead of lecturing others.”
Commenting on trade with Afghanistan, he said the PTI supports cross-border economic activity to uplift the border regions. “Unfortunately, when we seek regional trade, we face opposition. Yet the Sindh chief minister signs trade agreements with China, but no one raises questions. This double standard is unacceptable.”
On counterterrorism, Barrister Saif said that military operations alone could not eliminate terrorism, which he described as a social, political, and administrative challenge. “Public participation and serious commitment from the state institutions are essential to achieve the desired results. Terrorists are fighting against the state, but the federal government is not providing financial or technical support, while recommendations of the apex committee are continuously being ignored.”
Regarding the Swat tragedy, he said action would be taken based on the inquiry report and those found guilty would be held accountable. He concluded by clarifying that he was not a representative of the establishment but a worker of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf. “False cases were also filed against me, and attempts were made to arrest me, but I have never paid extortion-nor will I ever.”
Published in Dawn, July 14th, 2025