ISLAMABAD: Muhammad Ali Saif, Adviser to the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister on Information, has accused federal ministers of planning operations against protesters under the cover of darkness. Saif claimed that “eight bodies have already been transferred to hospitals” and alleged the use of “systematic sniping” by security forces.
The remarks came as thousands of supporters of jailed former prime minister Imran Khan stormed Islamabad, escalating their confrontation with the government. The protesters, led by Khan’s wife, reached the edge of the highly fortified red zone, where hundreds of security personnel pushed them back. The red zone, guarded by army soldiers, houses key government offices, parliament, and foreign missions.
Saif expressed concerns that authorities might exploit nighttime operations, believing fewer people would be present to resist. When pressed about his mention of a “hidden hand,” he suggested that Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi should explain.
Earlier on Samaa News, Saif stated that the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) had initially planned to reach D-Chowk but shifted focus to Sangjani after discussions with Imran Khan. Saif advised against going to D-Chowk due to expected government resistance, and Khan reportedly agreed to the change. However, Saif alleged that complications arose when “Bushra Bibi insisted on heading to D-Chowk,” which disrupted negotiations.
He emphasized the importance of keeping dialogue channels open, claiming that Khan had advised the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa chief minister to protest peacefully in Sangjani. Saif also suggested that Khan’s wife doubted whether their message was being properly conveyed, a perception he believed should change.
Saif further alleged that Khan had been confined to a small cell for 36 hours without access to exercise or fresh air. He called on the government to engage in genuine negotiations, stating that Khan could potentially end the sit-in if dialogue resumed. However, he warned that any attempt at intimidation or a nighttime crackdown would only escalate tensions and complicate the situation further.
“The lives of people are at stake,” Saif warned, urging immediate discussions to prevent further violence. He reiterated that the issue regarding Sangjani had been resolved and expressed hope for a peaceful resolution.
I am an experienced writer, analyst, and author. My exposure in English journalism spans more than 28 years. In the past, I have been working with daily The Muslim (Lahore Bureau), daily Business Recorder (Lahore/Islamabad Bureaus), Daily Times, Islamabad, daily The Nation (Lahore and Karachi). With daily The Nation, I have served as Resident Editor, Karachi. Since 2009, I have been working as a Freelance Writer/Editor for American organizations.
