Defence Minister Khawaja Asif declared that the government would utilize the full strength of the state to address the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) protest scheduled for October 15 at D-Chowk in Islamabad. During a press conference in the federal capital on Saturday, he described PTI as agents of “anti-Islamic forces” and criticized the party for never condemning terrorism, regardless of its location, whether in Balochistan, Afghanistan, or Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Asif accused PTI of facilitating the influx of thousands of terrorists into Pakistan during its governance and held Imran Khan, PTI’s leader, accountable for the nation’s decline. He stated that PTI’s primary demand revolves around Khan’s leadership and asserted that the party shows no interest in the country’s welfare or progress.
Read more: PTI Schedules Protest at D-Chowk on October 15
He highlighted positive developments in Pakistan under Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, such as declining inflation, renewed investment, and a Rs460 billion relief in electricity costs. He claimed that PTI seeks to hinder this progress, promoting a vision of Pakistan centered solely on Imran Khan’s power.
Asif also criticized the party’s leadership for their inconsistent stance towards the military and accused PTI of orchestrating a conspiracy starting with the 2014 protests, culminating in the events of May 9. He emphasized that the state would take all necessary measures to thwart the October 15 protest, which he deemed an attack on national integrity, and urged the judiciary to consider the implications of Imran Khan’s actions for national security.
