ISLAMABAD: Defense Minister Khawaja Asif has claimed that if the details of the agreement made by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) during their protest on November 26 are disclosed, it could lead to a revolt among the party’s workers against its leadership.
Speaking during a point of order in the National Assembly, Asif expressed concern over the ongoing confusion regarding the number of casualties in D-Chowk. He raised questions about the unclear figures of PTI workers who lost their lives during the Islamabad protest, citing conflicting reports ranging from 12 to 270 casualties.
The defense minister also criticized the lack of transparency surrounding the deceased workers, their bodies, graves, and the absence of their families speaking out.
Khawaja Asif took aim at the internal divisions within PTI, pointing out the contradictions in statements from party leaders. He referenced Omar Ayub’s claim that former first lady Bushra Bibi had left with him via the Monal route, whereas Bushra Bibi herself stated she was abandoned by the entire PTI leadership at D-Chowk.
Drawing historical comparisons, Asif accused PTI leaders of adopting provincialism, likening their actions to those of Ayub Khan, whom he said facilitated the creation of Bangladesh.
Asif also criticized PTI’s call for civil disobedience, saying it mirrored past protests from a decade ago that were rejected by the public. He challenged PTI’s credibility, stating no Pakistani would ever defy utility bills as the party demands. He expressed confidence that the civil disobedience campaign would fail, just like previous attempts.
The defense minister condemned PTI for using a woman as a shield during protests and accused the leadership of inciting provincialism. He also criticized the party for promoting an anti-national agenda, alleging that PTI’s actions had resulted in the settlement of terrorists in a financially struggling province, which he argued was not in the country’s best interest.
In conclusion, Asif accused PTI of harboring a harmful agenda against the nation’s interests, expressing concern that their actions could derail Pakistan’s economic recovery.
Earlier, Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar addressed concerns over a targeted social media campaign aimed at inciting violence against journalists. During a press conference in Islamabad, he accused PTI of encouraging online harassment of journalists, including the sharing of personal information about their families.
Tarar expressed his dismay over the dissemination of private details, such as journalists’ children and home addresses, online, deeming these actions completely unacceptable. He assured the public that the data from these accounts was being compiled, and that strict measures would be taken in collaboration with the Interior Ministry. Those responsible for the online campaign will be identified and held accountable.
