Islamabad: The Vice Chairman of Majlis Wahdat-e-Muslimeen Pakistan, Allama Syed Ahmed Iqbal Rizvi, has said that effectively detaining elected parliamentarians is a denial of democratic values, an open violation of the Constitution, and a serious infringement of fundamental human rights. He stated that Parliament represents the public mandate, and surrounding it to render it ineffective is tantamount to silencing the voice of the people.
Addressing a press conference at the National Press Club Islamabad, alongside Member of the National Assembly Hamid Hussain, Allama Iqbal Behishti, and other leaders, Allama Rizvi strongly condemned what he termed the government's illegal, unconstitutional, and shameful siege of Parliament.
He said that denying medical facilities to an elderly and ailing national leader is unacceptable in any civilized society. He added that depriving parliamentarians-including women members-of food, water, and medicines, and keeping them effectively confined, is equivalent to turning Parliament into a detention center.
During the press conference, grave concern was expressed over the deteriorating health of Allama Raja Nasir Abbas Jafri, the Central Chairman of Majlis Wahdat-e-Muslimeen Pakistan and Leader of the Opposition in the Senate, terming it clear evidence of governmental apathy and politics of revenge.
Similarly, the denial of medicines and basic facilities to senior politician Mahmood Khan Achakzai and other ill parliamentarians was described as a serious violation of fundamental human rights. The leaders said that cutting off food and water is not a political strategy but an act of overt state coercion.
Allama Rizvi also condemned the failure to transfer Azam Imran Khan to a hospital in a timely manner, calling it one of the worst examples of political victimization and inhumane conduct. He said endangering human life on the basis of political differences runs contrary to constitutional and moral principles.
The leaders made it clear that this issue is not about any single party or individual, but about the dignity of Parliament, the supremacy of the Constitution, and the protection of fundamental human rights. Majlis Wahdat-e-Muslimeen Pakistan demanded that the government immediately lift the siege of Parliament, allow free movement of confined members, provide urgent medical facilities to the sick, and accept the legitimate constitutional demands of the protesting parliamentarians.
They warned that otherwise, the government would bear full responsibility for any severe public reaction that may emerge across the country.