The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) issued a statement on Monday condemning Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan’s accusations against a serving senior military officer. During a rally on Saturday, Imran had accused the official of orchestrating plans to murder him, but the ISPR dismissed these allegations as “highly irresponsible and baseless.” The military’s media wing went on to state that “this fabricated and malicious allegation is extremely unfortunate, deplorable and unacceptable.”
The ISPR also criticized the trend of political leaders targeting military and intelligence agencies with insinuations and propaganda. It warned that the institution reserved the right to take legal action against those who made false and malicious statements.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also condemned Imran’s remarks, calling them “highly condemnable.” He stated that the PTI chairman’s allegations against Gen Faisal Naseer and officers of Pakistan’s intelligence agency were baseless and unfounded.
Imran Niazi's act of routinely maligning and threatening Pakistan Army and Intelligence Agency for the sake of petty political gains is highly condemnable. His leveling of allegations without any proof against Gen Faisal Naseer and officers of our Intelligence Agnecy cannot be…
— Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz) May 7, 2023
Imran responded to these criticisms on social media, asking whether he did not have the right to nominate those he believed were responsible for the assassination attempts against him. He also questioned whether military officers were above the law and whether they could not be held accountable for their actions. Imran further accused a powerful man and his accomplices of being above the law and turning Pakistan into a “jungle.”
As someone who has suffered 2 assassination attempts on his life in last few months, can I dare to ask SS the following Qs:
— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) May 8, 2023
1. Have I, a citizen, the right to nominate those I feel were responsible for assassination attacks on me? Why was I denied my legal & Constitutional right pic.twitter.com/YWVHrizPoR
Imran’s accusations against the senior military officer are not the first time he has made such claims. Following an assassination attempt last year, Imran held Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah, and the senior intelligence official responsible and demanded that they resign.
The PTI chairman has also accused the ISI of sabotaging the Wazirabad JIT and placing assassins outside the Islamabad Judicial Complex during a hearing of the Toshakhana case. Imran’s allegations have sparked a heated debate, with some questioning his motives and others supporting his right to speak out.
Regardless of where one stands on the issue, it is clear that Pakistan’s political landscape is becoming increasingly polarized. As tensions rise, it is essential for all parties to exercise restraint and engage in constructive dialogue to find a way forward. Only by working together can Pakistan build a brighter future for its citizens.
