Zardari says arresting speaker Agha Siraj Durrani is a challenge to democracy

Following the arrest of Sindh Assembly Speaker Agha Siraj Durrani, Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Co-chairman Asif Ali Zardari said that a speaker is an autonomous figure and arresting him is challenging the democracy.

Addressing the media on Wednesday, the PPP leader said that such arrests of PPP leaders is not a new thing and that it has happened before. Condemning Agha's arrest, Zardari questioned why the speaker arrested in Islamabad and not in Karachi.

Speaking about the ongoing tensions between Pakistan and India, Zardari said that that PPP will stand united with the nation and armed forces. He added that Pakistan was becoming more isolated ever since this government came into power.

On the other hand, PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto too strongly condemned Agha's arrest and termed it an 'undemocratic attempt to dislodge' provincial government in Sindh. "Attack on speaker of federating unit is unacceptable. Undemocratic attempt to dislodge Sindh government. Failed before, will fail again," Bilawal wrote on his Twitter handle.

The PPP chairman further said that independent institutions should not unwittingly be part of political engineering.

Hum Baynami wazeer-e-azam ko baywardi Aamriat Qaaim nahi karnay daingay. Attack on Speaker of federating unit is unacceptable. undemocratic attempt to dislodge Sindh govt. Failed before will fail again. Independent institutions shouldnt unwittingly be part of political engineering

— BilawalBhuttoZardari (@BBhuttoZardari) February 20, 2019