LAHORE: PML-N ministers in Punjab and Centre, along with their coalition partners, have lambasted PTI for “attacking” the capital city and called for action against arsonists and disruptors.

In a press conference on Sunday, Punjab Information Minister Azma Bokhari said PTI’s protest was similar to the attacks on military installations on May 9, 2023.

She said the protest was actually an “assault” on the federation, which was carried out with the help of resources and government emplo­yees of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

“The participation of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa police officers and Afghan nationals in the protest is concerning and warrants investigation,” the minister claimed.

Azma says Punjab rejected ‘movement of chaos’; Tarar hails police for patience in face of attack; Murtaza accuses Gandapur of ‘attacking’ federation

This was an apparent reference to the official claims that around 100 Afghan nationals were arrested during PTI’s protest in Islamabad.

According to Ms Bokhari, PTI’s attempt to create an uprising was thwarted as the people of Punjab “completely rejected” what she said was the “movement of chaos”.

She lauded the federal and Punjab governments who “successfully countered the rioters’ insurrection”.

While referring to the death of the Islamabad police constable, Abdul Hameed Shah, the minister said the death negated PTI’s claim of peaceful protests.

Meanwhile, Punjab Minister Marr­iyum Aurangzeb has accused PTI founder Imran Khan of orchestrating the “assault” on the federal capital.

In a post on X, she said Mr Khan pushed Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur to attack the federal capital.

PTI’s protest was aimed at attacking democratic institutions, sabotaging the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation meeting and occupying the office of chief justice, the minister said.

‘Invaded the capital’

In a separate press conference, Federal Information Minister Attau­llah Tarar claimed the objective of PTI’s protests was to derail the economy and spread chaos and anarchy.

While questioning the objective behind the protest, the minister claimed PTI workers and supporters who attacked the federal capital were armed.

He said the “anarchist group” was responsible for the martyrdom of Islamabad police constable Abdul Hameed Shah.

He said PTI was hoping that the clashes would result in casualties, but the Islamabad police “showed patience” and performed their duties without any loss of life or property, he remarked.

While criticising the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa CM, Mr Tarar blamed him for “invading” the capital with the help of government resources and weapons.

‘Challenge on field’

PPP leader Syed Hasan Murtaza has said his party will now challenge PTI on the field and not inside the parliament.

In a press conference on Sunday, he said PTI’s agenda has been “exposed” as the party hinted at inviting the foreign minister of an “enemy state” to address its protest.

Mr Murtaza, who is the secretary of PPP’s Punjab chapter, equated the move with the Mukti Bahini movement in formerly East Pakistan, where rebels fought against the army in the war that led to the separation of East Pakistan.

He added that the killers of constable Hameed and those who attacked his fellow party member, Senator Sherry Rehman, in Islamabad should be arrested.

On Saturday, Ms Rehman’s motorcade was passing through the Blue Area when it was intercepted by protesters who pelted stones at the convoy. It damaged the lead vehicle, however, the senator reached home safely.

Mr Murtaza regretted that the PTI was “inviting” people of a neighbouring country whose representatives do not stand in honour of Pakistan’s national anthem.

Mr Murtaza claimed that these people from “across the border” were armed. “What kind of revolution do they want by introducing the politics of dead bodies?” he asked.

He lauded the law enforcers, particularly inspector-generals of Punjab and Islamabad police, for “wisely” handling the armed and violent protests.

In response to a question about the alleged disappearance of the KP chief minister, the PPP leader said the provincial government should be “ashamed” of levelling allegations against the federal government and the establishment on this issue.

It is a fact that CM Gandapur has “attacked the federation for the third time”.

“There is a difference between political struggle and insurgency,” he said, adding that his party cannot withstand insurgency.

“PPP is not against any democratic struggle, but no one can be allowed to indulge in insurgency.”

‘Action against disruptors’

MQM-P leader Dr Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui has also called for action against those responsible for creating chaos on the roads of Islamabad, APP reported.

While talking to media persons after an event in Karachi, Mr Sidd­iqui, who is the federal education minister, said Pakistan was slowly gaining recognition at the global level, but “some elements want to isolate it”.

He said action should be taken against the disruptions caused on Islamabad roads.

With additional input from APP

Published in Dawn, October 7th, 2024