Federal ministers Attaullah Tarar and Engineer Amir Maqam accused the opposition of coercing participants to attend their recent rally, alleging misuse of public resources. During a press conference in Islamabad, the ministers criticized the Chief Minister of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa for provocative language and failure to address critical issues like terrorism. Amir Maqam claimed that the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) was engulfed in internal conflicts over corruption, further distancing itself from the public.
Attaullah Tarar condemned the rally’s violation of Pashtun traditions of respect for women, highlighting the disrespectful remarks directed at Maryam Nawaz. He also pointed out the absence of major development projects during PTI’s tenure in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Both ministers concluded that the rally was a failure and urged PTI to focus on public service instead.
Police Action Against PTI Rally Violations
Police in Islamabad registered three cases against PTI leadership for failing to conclude the rally on time, violating designated routes, and pelting stones at law enforcement officers. The charges, filed under the Public Order and Peace Act, stemmed from the rally exceeding its permitted duration, deviating from the approved route, and assaulting officers, including SSP Safe City.
Read More: Pakistani Authorities Pursue Norwegian Journalist Linked to Fraud and Paedophile Judge
Authorities reported the arrest of 17 PTI workers, including prominent figures like Zartaj Gul and Raja Basharat, following clashes where tear gas was used to disperse crowds. Despite these challenges, PTI managed to gather a significant number of supporters in Islamabad, with Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur announcing Lahore as the next rally destination.
Government Criticizes PTI’s Actions and Social Media Campaign
Punjab’s senior minister Marriyum Aurangzeb criticized PTI founder Imran Khan for seeking relief under the same amended National Accountability Bureau (NAB) law he had previously condemned. She labeled Khan as the “Toshakhana thief” and questioned his plea for acquittal in the £190 million case, arguing that his actions contradicted his rhetoric against the law.
Information Minister Azma Bokhari accused PTI of circulating fake images and videos of the Islamabad rally, stating that the party falsely portrayed footage from an Azad Kashmir rally as scenes from Islamabad. She alleged that PTI’s attempts to manipulate public perception were futile and reiterated the government’s stance against releasing those involved in the May 9 events.
PTI Defends Rally and Refutes Allegations
PTI Punjab spokesman Shaukat Basra accused the government of attempting to suppress the Islamabad rally by blocking roads but claimed that the turnout demonstrated public support. Reacting to the criticisms, Basra asserted that despite the government’s efforts to block all entry points to Islamabad, people managed to enter the city, proving the opposition’s resilience.
He dismissed allegations of PTI seeking an NRO, stating that Imran Khan was enduring hardships in jail while the NAB amendments served to grant relief to the Sharif and Zardari families. PTI Lahore’s progress report claimed that around 10,000 party members participated in the rally, showcasing the party’s strength and determination.