ISLAMABAD: In response to points raised by NA Opposition Leader Omar Ayub, Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif suggested that the remains of Field Marshal Ayub Khan, who enforced the first martial law in the country, should be exhumed and subjected to hanging in accordance with Article 6 of the Constitution.

Speaking in the National Assembly, the defence minister highlighted that the previous government led by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) had initiated Article 6 proceedings against him.

Khawaja Asif emphasized the necessity to commence Article 6 proceedings, asserting that members of Parliament had also endorsed this stance, but emphasized that it should begin with the former military dictator Ayub Khan.

He stressed that individuals who violated the Constitution, dissolved the assembly, and obstructed the passage of no-confidence motions should also face Article 6 proceedings, referring to the day former Prime Minister Imran Khan was ousted. His comments elicited strong reactions from the opposition benches, prompting NA Speaker Ayaz Sadiq to call for order.

Earlier, NA Opposition Leader Omar Ayub dismissed allegations linking his party to the May 9 riots, alleging that the events were orchestrated to target PTI founder Imran Khan.

Ayub, who also serves as PTI’s Secretary General, reiterated the party’s call for the establishment of a judicial commission to investigate the May 9 events, which saw military installations being targeted following the arrest of deposed Prime Minister Imran Khan.

He highlighted the significant damages inflicted on the country following the assassination of former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto in 2007, estimating losses amounting to $2 billion.

Ayub further noted the extensive damage inflicted on trains, locomotives, and railway stations during the violent protests, with Karachi alone suffering losses estimated at Rs80 to Rs90 billion over a span of three to four days.