PTI Denies Inciting Violence Following Imran Khan’s Arrest

The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party has rejected Inter-services Public Relations (ISPR) accusations of inciting violence during the protests that erupted in response to the arrest of its chairman, Imran Khan.

PTI argues that the ISPR statement overlooks the factors contributing to the public’s reaction and the situation’s complexity.

In a statement released by the party, PTI emphasizes its dedication to peaceful, non-violent, and lawful means to achieve its goals. The party also adds that individuals and institutions must adhere to the law. PTI believes the public reaction to Imran Khan’s arrest is influenced by many factors, including extra-judicial actions and the country’s economic decline.

Read: Pak Military Responds to Protests Following Imran Khan’s Arrest

The statement comes in response to a rare and strongly-worded message from the military’s media wing, ISPR, which described the events of May 9 as a “black chapter in history.” The ISPR stated that organized attacks on army properties and anti-army slogans were observed following Khan’s arrest, accusing PTI leaders of hypocrisy for inciting hostility against the armed forces and praising their significance simultaneously.

The military’s media wing warned that any future attacks on the army, law enforcement agencies, military installations, and properties would be met with severe retaliation. The ISPR also identified and plans to take strict action against the facilitators, planners, and political activists involved in the protests.

Since the arrest of the PTI chief, protests have erupted across the country, causing damage to public and private property and resulting in at least four deaths. The situation remains tense as an accountability court has ordered Imran Khan to be held on an eight-day physical remand, and the protests show no signs of abating