Asad Umar, the leader of Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), scoffed at “any attempt to connect criticism of individuals with criticism of the institution” on Saturday.
The former minister made his comments in reaction to a statement made by the military’s media wing after deposed prime minister Imran Khan gave a speech after escaping an assassination attempt.
According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the PTI chief’s “allegations” against the organization and in particular a senior army general was “baseless and reckless,” and they were categorically inappropriate and out of line.
Umar claimed in a string of tweets that “the ISPR’s statement from yesterday made false claims against Imran Khan. He has never voiced opposition to the organization.
The ISPR statement of yesterday has made unfounded allegations against Imran Khan. He has never spoken against the institution. Infact has always spoken about the need to strengthen the institution. Criticism of individuals should NOT be called criticism of institution
— Asad Umar (@Asad_Umar) November 5, 2022
He stated that Imran had consistently discussed the necessity of fortifying the institution.
He said that criticizing a person should not be seen as criticizing an organization.
He questioned the ISPR, noting that “even general commanders had previously faced court martials,” “if no member of the institution does anything wrong, why are court martials carried out?”
Question for ISPR :If no member of the institution does anything wrong, why are court martials carried out. Even general officers have been court martialed in the past. If they do carry out acts which can be subject to court martial why cannot they be criticized as individuals?
— Asad Umar (@Asad_Umar) November 5, 2022
Why can’t they be criticised as individuals if they do commit activities that are punishable by court martial, he demanded.
He said that because of the sacrifices made by its members to defend the country, the organisation deserved “love and respect.” He did emphasise that everyone wasn’t “necessarily worthy of that love and respect.”
Any attempt to equate criticism of individuals with criticism of the institution is rejected. The institution deserves love and respect based on the sacrifices made by its members to protect the nation. Each and every individual is not necessarily worthy of that love & respect
— Asad Umar (@Asad_Umar) November 5, 2022
The PTI leader went on to say that the ISPR only needed to listen to the current defence minister’s statement in the NA [National Assembly] to see what disrespect for martyrs and the institution sounded like. In it, he said that the institution had torn the nation’s flesh from its bones.
If ISPR wants to hear what disrespect for martyrs and the institution sound like, all they have to do is listen to the famous NA speech of the current defense minister where he claims the institution has ripped off the flesh of the nation from its bones!!!
— Asad Umar (@Asad_Umar) November 5, 2022
