Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly Omar Ayub has alleged that he was prevented from appearing in Sargodha’s anti-terrorism court, claiming that the judge had been held hostage by intelligence agencies.

In his speech at the National Assembly, he said that when he arrived at the court, a police officer blocked his path and did not allow him to enter the premises. “I informed the officer that I had a court appearance, but I was delayed for a long time. By the time we reached the court, the gates were closed.”

Ayub added that they were standing in front of the court, but their bail was revoked for non-compliance. “Our party members’ homes have been raided. I must say that this is happening to us today, and it will happen to the rest of the members tomorrow.”

The Sunni Ittehad Council’s lawmakers protested against the incident in the House and staged a walkout.

Former Speaker Asad Qaiser questioned under which law the opposition leader was barred from the court, asking whether there was any law or Constitution in the country.

Prior to the NA session, the SIC parliamentarians in the Punjab Assembly also staged a walkout. Opposition member Rana Aftab stated that they would boycott the session if no action was taken if the government did not stop “terrorism” against them.

They demand that the inspector general of police be summoned and held accountable.