Pir Pagara warns of martial law amid political crisis

Pir Sibghatullah Shah Rashidi, popularly known as Pir Pagara, the chief of the Grand Democratic Alliance (GDA), issued a stark warning Friday, predicting that the coalition government would collapse within 10 months, possibly leading to an imposition of emergency or martial law in the country.

Speaking at a protest sit-in against alleged election rigging at Jamshoro Bypass, Pir Pagara stated that the GDA's stance wasn't merely about contesting the recent elections but about unveiling the systemic irregularities that plagued the electoral process.

"We were not interested in the elections because the results were ready three months ago," Pir Pagara declared. "Today, they have been exposed nationally and internationally."

Emphasising that their protest solely targeted election fraud, the GDA chief underlined the significance of the military in ensuring the security of the country, stating, "The army is our own, and we cannot even think of going against it."

He warned that removing the army from the equation would plunge the nation into a state akin to Palestine, hinting at the precariousness of the current political landscape.

Pir Pagara defended former prime minister Imran Khan against accusations of corruption, asserting, "If he is a thief, then we all are thieves."

He highlighted the broader systemic issues in governance, suggesting a collective responsibility for past transgressions.

GDA leader Pir Pagara has asserted that the upcoming government will not last beyond eight to 10 months as per his information.

“What has happened because of the sky-high inflation during the past 20 months of government? The middle class is being eliminated. Inflation will touch the sky after this inflation and the middle class will be wiped out.”

Pir Pagara questioned the Election Commission of Pakistan for being missing in action and called on it to take notice of the alleged rigging in the general elections,

He questioned whether politicians before PTI founder Imran Khan had not taken state gifts from the Toshakhana despite it being illegal. “In my view Imran Khan is not a thief, yes there could have been a mistake … but he is not a thief,” he said.

Acknowledging the political prowess of PTI supporters during the recently held elections, he commended their efforts, indicating a growing disillusionment with the prevailing judicial and governmental mechanisms. "If you don't give justice, then people find out another way to seek justice," he remarked.

Expressing concern over the absence of national-level leadership in Pakistan, Pir Pagara urged decision-makers to prioritise the country's welfare over personal agendas. "The more a leader lies, the bigger leader he becomes," he cautioned.

Reflecting on the economic hardships faced by the middle class, the GDA chief lamented the rampant inflation, hinting at a looming crisis.

Concluding his address with a prayer, Pir Pagara invoked divine intervention, imploring Allah SWT to grant wisdom to the nation's leaders, military, and judiciary, urging them to safeguard the country's interests and its people.