Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) chief Saad Rizvi’s release from the Kot Lakhpat jail in Lahore earlier today is being questioned on social media. Rizvi was released a day before the death anniversary of TLP founder late Khadim Hussain Rizvi. Upon arrival at the party’s headquarters, Saad was warmly received by hundreds of party workers who had gathered there.
Many wondered that if Rizvi could be released then why Ali Wazir, an elected representative from Waziristan, was still under arrest. Commentators including journalists said that this was a case of double standards. MNA Mohsin Dawar, another lawmaker from Waziristan, stated during his speech in the joint session of the Parliament that Waziristan was not represented in the crucial session because the representative of the area, Ali Wazir, is behind bars. Ali Wazir was arrested on December 6 2020 on charges of hate speech and criminal conspiracy while addressing a rally in Karachi. He was arrested by the Sindh police, despite the fact that the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP), which is in power in Sindh had been supporting Ali Wazir and Mohsin Dawar.
In the joint session of the Parliament, numerous important bills, including the one pertaining to the Electronic Voting Machine, were passed.
MNA @mjdawar says Waziristan was not represented during the crucial joint session of the parliament because Ali Wazir, a representative of the people of Waziristan, is behind bars pic.twitter.com/PRoNZLcAZl
— Naya Daur Media (@nayadaurpk) November 17, 2021
Senior journalist Asma Shirazi tweeted“, TLP chief #SaadHussainRizvi released from jail while member National Assembly #AliWazir is still under arrest”.
TLP chief #SaadHussainRizvi released from jail while member National Assembly #AliWazir is still under arrest and was Stoped to participate in the proceeding of legislation.
— Asma Shirazi (@asmashirazi) November 18, 2021
Another journalist Benazir Shah noted that Wazir was not even allowed to attend the joint session of Parliament.
While Ali Wazir, an elected parliamentarian, is still behind bars and was not allowed to attend yesterday’s joint session. https://t.co/2eRgJAEHpM
— Benazir Shah (@Benazir_Shah) November 18, 2021
Other Twitter users echoed similar sentiments.
Saad Rizvi is released while Ali Wazir is still behind the bars.
— Saadia Ahmed (@khwamkhwah) November 18, 2021
All Pakistanis, including those overseas, should have the right to vote. But more importantly, the vote should not be manipulated, neither at home nor abroad. As long as that remains the perception with elected MNAs like Ali Wazir behind bars, nobody is enfranchised. https://t.co/VmKdZh4EUu
— Ayesha Ijaz Khan (@ayeshaijazkhan) November 18, 2021
TLP chief #SaadHussainRizvi released from jail while member National Assembly #AliWazir is still under arrest and was Stoped to participate in the proceeding of legislation.
— Falak Naz (@FkNaz1) November 18, 2021
One country two laws. #ReleaseAliWazir pic.twitter.com/2YQ7A1dvNm
— Ali Wazir Fan's (@AliWazirFans) November 18, 2021
