ISLAMABAD: The mother of former Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Usman Dar made serious allegations on Tuesday, claiming that Punjab Police, acting on the orders of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader Khawaja Asif, tortured and manhandled her at her residence in Sialkot.
In a video message, Dar’s mother asserted, “They [police] raided my house on Khawaja Asif’s orders. They tore my clothes, manhandled me, all to prevent me from participating in the elections.” She described facing severe ill-treatment, including a torn collar and physical abuse. Despite the or-deal, she remained resolute in her determination to contest the elections, citing it as a decision from her heart and in accordance with the guidance from the Holy Qur’an and Sunnah.
“I will participate in the elections no matter what. It’s a decision from my heart and as per the guidance from the Holy Qur’an and Sunnah,” she declared, expressing her readiness to confront Khawaja Asif even if her house is razed to the ground or she is sent to jail.
She appealed to Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Qazi Faiz Isa, seeking justice.
Usman Dar’s brother, Umer Dar, also condemned the mistreatment meted out to their mother by the police.
In response to the allegations, Khawaja Asif denied any involvement in the incident. “I have never pursued retaliatory politics; I have always fought a political battle, not a personal one with my oppo-nents,” stated Asif on his official social media handle.
He stressed his adherence to principles in political conflicts, expressing respect for opponents’ elders and families.
Addressing Usman Dar directly, Khawaja Asif questioned the credibility of someone who, once an ar-dent supporter praising his leader, is now openly criticising him on television. He mentioned referring to Dar’s mother as his sister and condemned what he termed as “despicable politics” forcing him to compromise his family traditions.
On the other hand, the Punjab Police refuted the allegations made by Dar’s mother, adding another layer of complexity to the unfolding controversy. –Agencies
