Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has announced that the government will mobilize all state resources to address the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) protest scheduled for October 15 at D-Chowk in Islamabad.
In a press conference on Saturday, Asif described PTI as agents of “anti-Islamic forces,” accusing the party of failing to condemn terrorism, regardless of its occurrence in regions like Balochistan, Afghanistan, or Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa. He further alleged that during PTI’s time in power, they facilitated the entry of numerous terrorists into Pakistan.
Asif held Imran Khan, the leader of PTI, accountable for the country’s current challenges, claiming that the party’s focus is solely on Khan’s leadership rather than the nation’s welfare or development. He pointed to positive trends in Pakistan, such as a reduction in inflation, renewed investment, and a relief package of Rs460 billion in electricity costs under Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s government.
He accused PTI of attempting to obstruct this progress, asserting that their vision for Pakistan is one where Imran Khan remains in control. Asif referenced a statement by Shandana Gulzar that “without Khan, there is no Pakistan,” suggesting it reflects the mindset driving PTI’s protest.
The minister also commented on the inconsistency in PTI’s leadership, noting that while they previously praised the military when in their favor, Imran Khan has now criticized the army chief and the military from prison.
Asif accused PTI of plotting a conspiracy that began with the protests in 2014 and culminated in the events of May 9. He expressed concern that the party seeks to undermine the nation’s dignity and economic stability, reiterating that the state will utilize all necessary means to prevent the planned protest, which he labeled as an assault on the country’s integrity.
