Army only institution working in the country: Ayesha Gulalai

ISLAMABAD: Disgruntled Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf MNA Ayesha Gulalai said on Tuesday that the army is the only institution working in the country. 

Addressing the media outside the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP), she deplored the dragging of the army into politics by some politicians. 

"Our troops are fighting for us on the frontline, away from their homes. They have eliminated terrorism from the country after tremendous sacrifice," said Gulalai. 

Gulalai, who hails from South Waziristan Agency, thanked the World Bank for announcing aid worth $114 million recently for the people of tribal areas. 

She chided the government over its failure to implement the FATA Reforms, and dismissed the idea of appointing a COO to oversee the process, saying "this is another trick by the bureaucracy to misappropriate funds". 

Addressing the women of Pakistan, she said they face all kinds of violence every day. “Don’t think you are weak. Be strong. Get education. And give the power of education to your children. Otherwise, learn a skill so you are not dependent on anyone," said Gulalai, stressing further that women should give polio drops to their children so they are not crippled. 

Moreover, addressing Pakistani men, she said keeping women inside the house and not educating them cannot be considered pardah — referring to the custom of keeping women indoors. 

"Let your daughters come into sports," pleaded Gulalai, whose own younger sister is a renowned squash champion of Pakistan. 

National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq has sent a reference against Gulalai to the ECP seeking to denotify her from the assembly for her violation of party discipline. 

Gulalai alleged on August 1 that PTI chief Imran Khan had sent her inappropriate text messages, but did not reveal any other details to support her allegations. She had also alleged that the “honour of women is not safe” in the party. 

Gulalai had also announced leaving the PTI but later on decided to stay put, saying instead that Imran should be the one who is expelled from the party. 

The ECP hearing on Tuesday was adjourned until October 4.