PTI has issued a detailed response to Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) statement where the military’s media wing termed May 9, the day clashes and protests ensued, a “black chapter in history”.
While denying involvement in the incidents of violence fueled by the arrest of Imran Khan, PTI said the statement by ISPR lacked the realization of the situation on the ground.
PTI maintained that based on its vision, the party remains a democratic organization that believes in achieving its aims and goals by completely abiding by the Constitution and the law while remaining peaceful and non-violent.
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It said that the PTI considered individuals and institutions, alike, bound to obey the law. The party clarified that the public reaction after the arrest of Imran Khan is connected to many factors, adding that the extra-judicial actions and destruction of the economy were also among the factors that created bitterness.
It further stated that PTI had been against the plunder of people’s right to sovereignty via interference and rigging in elections, hence the political ideology and philosophy of the party chief Imran Khan received approval from the masses.
ISPR reacts to Pakistan’s political chaos after Imran Khan’s arrest
Political chaos erupted in Pakistan after the arrest of PTI Chairman and former Prime Minister Imran Khan. PTI supporters took to the streets to protest the arrest and reports of clashes between the public and police also emerged.
The dire situation escalated as the public expressed their anger by destroying civil and military property, burning tires on the streets, and even setting fire to the building of Radio Pakistan in Peshawar, the Corp Commander House in Lahore, and GHQ.
Read more: Radio Pakistan building set on fire in Peshawar
Reacting to the protests and violence, Pakistan Army has pledged a ‘strong response’ if further attacks on military and state installations are carried out by miscreants. The military’s media wing said that May 9 will be remembered as a black chapter in history.
The ISPR called the PTI leaders “hypocrites” for inciting their workers against the armed forces on the one hand, and other, they were praising the military — in a bid to overshadow their criticism.
“On one side, evil elements incited public sentiments for their self-serving purposes, one the other hand, they used to highlight the importance of armed forces for the country which is an example of double standards,” ISPR said.