—– Defence Minister says May 9 violence and vandalism of Military Installations were ‘coordinated attacks planned by Imran’
—– Adds banning decision has not been taken yet, but a review is surely underway
—– In a latest blow to PTI, Fawad quits party, Asad Umar party post
By Anzal Amin
ISLAMABAD: Defence Minister Khawaja Asif said on Wednesday that the government was mulling banning the PTI over the events of May 9, when violent protests erupted across the country following former prime minister and party chairman Imran Khan’s arrest.
During the protests, which lasted for two days, social media was flooded with footage of a mob clashing with police in Karachi, attacking and entering the General Headquarters in Rawalpindi and vandalising the Lahore corps command-er’s residence.
Meanwhile, state broadcaster Radio Pakistan’s building was also set on fire in Peshawar. The “violence” was strongly condemned by the country’s civil and military leadership. They also declared May 9 was a “Black Day” and decided to try all the “miscreants” under army and anti-terrorism laws.
The government has previously said that banning the PTI was the only solution, but concrete measures in this regard have not been taken yet. Talking to media persons in Islamabad today, the defence minister said: “A decision has not been taken yet [on the ban], but a review is surely underway.”
He also stated that when the government takes a decision in this regard, the matter would be referred to the Parlia-ment for approval. Recalling the events of May 9, Asif claimed that the “violence” and vandalism of military installations were “coordinat-ed attacks planned by Imran”. “There is a lot of evidence and their people are telling themselves that they were briefed about this beforehand,” he said. “I feel that Imran’s struggle of a year … all his plans failed and this was his last resort against the country’s army.”
He claimed that Imran had started seeing the army as his “adversary” and called out the PTI chairman for his “hypocri-sy”. “His entire politics was done in the lap of the army and today he has suddenly decided to stand against it … and what-ever I am saying is being said by all the people leaving PTI,” Asif said.
Responding to a question about the grounds for banning PTI, the minister asked, “Is there any crime that was not committed on May 9?”
“The ISI office was attacked, they tried to enter the Cantonment in Sialkot but that attack was repulsed … they also set fire to the Lahore Corps Commander’s house. The PTI challenges the foundation of the state by attacking defence in-stallations.”
Asif went on to say that there was clarity amongst everyone that such actions “could only be done by India and not someone who is a Pakistani”, adding that the neighbouring country rejoiced at the events of May 9.
The minister further stated that the army’s reservations regarding the violence in the country on May 9 were “valid”.
He said that dealing with the current situation had resulted in a “new situation”. The coalition government will take every such step to prevent others from targeting the armed forces in the future, he vowed.
The minister said that May 25 will be celebrated and tribute would be paid to the country’s martyrs, clarifying that honouring martyrs was the norm in the world over.
“Till now, he (Imran) has not condemned [the violence] in clear words. He says that he did not know, he was [in custo-dy]. He had his phone […] he repeatedly that this reaction was expected and will happen again if he is arrested,” Asif added.
Meanwhile, the PTI suffered another major blow as PTI Secretary General Asad Umar and former federal minister Chaudhry Fawad Hussain on Wednesday announced to resign.
“[With] ref[erence] to my earlier statement where I unequivocally condemned 9th May incidents, I have decided to take a break from politics, therefore, I have resigned from party position and parting ways from Imran Khan,” Fawad wrote on his official Twitter handle.
Hours later, Asad Umar followed the course by announcing to step down from all party positions shortly after he was released from Adiala Jail. Though journalists had already got a hint of Umar’s parting plans as the party’s secretary-general dodged media and left Adiala jail silently.
“Not possible for me to lead the party under these circumstances. I am resigning as Secretary General and core com-mittee member of PTI,” he said while addressing the press conference at the National Press Club later in the day.
However, Asad clarified that he has not left the party but only resigned as the secretary general of the party. He said that the most dangerous thing that happened on May 9 was that military installations were attacked.
He said that the incidents of May 9 are not only condemnable, but also a point to ponder on where we have come.
“I feel like there should be transparent investigation into those involved in these incidents. But also the innocent, thousands of PTI workers and supporters were arrested, a lot of those who are innocent… it is also important that they are released as soon as possible,” he added.
In response to a question, Umar clarified that he has not abandoned the party entirely but rather resigned from his role as the secretary general. He emphasised that his decision was voluntary and not influenced by any ‘external pres-sure’.
Asad Umar said that the army does not comprise just a few generals whose names are heard on TV, but thousands of soldiers who sacrifice their lives for the safety of the nation.
“My family has been affiliated with the army for the last three generations. From the 1965 war to the war on terror, members of my family have been participating in these wars over the year,” he added.
