ISLAMABAD: Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif accused Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) of planning violence with the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) during its proposed long march.
In a statement on X, Asif alleged that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s PTI government and provincial leadership had prepared an armed attack. He described the alleged plan as an assault on the federation rather than a political protest.
The minister accused organisers of preparing groups to attack military and police installations under the cover of demonstrations and rallies. He alleged that the planned mobilisation aimed to spread unrest and violence in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Asif warned the provincial government and march organisers against repeating the May 9, 2023 unrest. He threatened a forceful response.
Political protest differed from armed rebellion, he said. Pakistan would treat any armed uprising involving the TTP as an attack on its security and sovereignty. Asif pledged to use “all available resources” to defend the country.
Pakistan Army commanders issued a similar warning on Friday, according to Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR). The military’s media wing said commanders threatened decisive force against agitation or a repeat of May 9.
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Field Marshal Asim Munir chaired the Corps Commanders’ Conference in Rawalpindi. He serves as Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff.
PTI plans to begin its long march towards Islamabad on Sunday to demand party founder Imran Khan’s release.
