— PTI President Parvez Elahi asks rulers stop politics of victimization
By Irum Saleem
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Central President and former Punjab chief minister Chaudhry Parvez Elahi has said no politics should be played over the health and family of PTI founder Imran Khan, stressing that civilized societies do not permit such conduct against political opponents.
Speaking to reporters after offering Eidul Azha prayers at Masjid Khatam-ul-Anbiya in Gujrat, Mr Elahi delivered a strong political message centered on PTI founder Imran Khan, democratic continuity, and national unity amid the country’s deepening political polarization.
Accompanied by party leaders, including Rasikh Elahi, Chaudhry Javed Majra and Chaudhry Ehsan Nawaz, the PTI leader said political differences should never cross humanitarian and moral boundaries.
“No politics should be played over the health and family of Imran Khan. Civilized nations do not allow such behavior,” Mr Elahi remarked, in an apparent reference to the PTI founder’s incarceration and concerns repeatedly raised by the party regarding his treatment and wellbeing.
Special prayers were offered on the occasion for the sovereignty and stability of Pakistan, as well as for the martyrs of Palestine and Iran.
Mr Elahi also paid tribute to the martyrs of the Pakistan Armed Forces, security forces and law enforcement agencies who sacrificed their lives for the country’s defense and peace.
“The sacrifices of our martyrs are unforgettable. Their blood demands that we rise above personal interests and work for Pakistan’s stability, unity and strength,” he said.
Turning to the country’s political crisis, the PTI president urged political stakeholders to adopt tolerance, dialogue and constitutional supremacy to steer Pakistan out of what he described as a worsening political and economic quagmire.
“The politics of hatred, revenge and division serves no one,” he said, adding that future generations do not remember rulers who leave behind a legacy of political victimization.
“It ultimately comes down to empathy, and political parties carry a greater responsibility in this regard,” Mr Elahi said. “I advise the rulers to take decisions that make people remember them in good words rather than for political revenge.”
Reaffirming PTI’s political stance, he said the party, under the vision of Imran Khan, would continue its “peaceful democratic struggle” for the rule of law, constitutional supremacy and the rights of the people.
He described PTI as the country’s largest political force and said the party remained committed to building a strong, dignified and self-reliant Pakistan despite political challenges.
In a strongly worded statement on foreign policy, Mr Elahi invoked the position of Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah on Israel, stating that Pakistan should never recognize Israel under any circumstances.
Calling Israel a “fitna”, he warned the government against pursuing normalization with Tel Aviv, claiming such a move would trigger a massive public reaction.
“If the government ever recognizes Israel, people will come out onto the streets, and it will mark the final day of this government,” he warned.
Concluding his address, Mr Elahi expressed hope for a Pakistan where the youth could see a brighter future, investors could regain confidence, and citizens could enjoy equal justice and opportunities.
Parvez Elahi urged the nation to use the spirit of Eidul Azha to promote national harmony instead of deepening political divisions.
“We must pledge to direct our energies toward unity, tolerance and the progress of Pakistan rather than turning political differences into hatred,” he said.
