Imran Khan, the Chairman of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), took to Twitter to reply to the allegations made by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif concerning a supposed running of a social media campaign against Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Asim Munir.
The social media spat became more intense as the PTI chairman issued a biting retort to the prime minister’s condemnation of the online campaign linked to the alleged murder involvement of COAS, Gen Asim Munir.
Khan addressed Sharif directly in his Twitter message, pressing him on the events surrounding May 9. He countered, “Instead of making absurd accusations, the question that Shehbaz Sharif needs to answer is, who gained the most from the events of 9th May?”
Further, Khan laid out the grievances regarding his treatment during the incident, highlighting the unconstitutional and illegal aspects recognized by the Supreme Court. He condemned the violent manner in which he was taken from the Islamabad High Court, likening it to the apprehension of a criminal. He also mentioned that his legal representatives and the court staff suffered physical assault.
Imran Khan questioned the PM’s government, “Has your govt held anyone accountable for conducting an unconstitutional act?” The PTI Chairman implied a sinister motive behind the May 9 episode, blaming the chaos and the subsequent crackdown on PTI on Sharif and his “band of crooks and money launderers”. According to Khan, these individuals were terrified of PTI’s potential victory in the elections.
Claims of Political Manipulation
Khan concluded his reply with a final accusation, suggesting that Sharif attempted to drive a wedge between Pakistan’s largest political party and the establishment through his “nonsensical and ridiculous statements”. He argued that this was a ploy to protect the stolen billions of the Pakistani people.
In contrast, Sharif insisted in his tweet that such actions crossed the lines of freedom of expression. He connected the disturbing online campaign to those who had a part in the sinister plot leading up to the May 9 arson incident. Sharif called upon relevant authorities to take legal action against those engaged in these damaging media campaigns, whether inside or outside the country. He sent a strong message to those behind the May 9 plot, affirming, “Conspiracy against Pakistan and its institutions will be crushed.”
