The government has accused Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leaders of using inflammatory rhetoric ahead of the party’s planned September 27 protest, alleging that such statements indicate an intent to escalate tensions and disrupt public order, reported 24NewsHD TV.
The government cited recent remarks by PTI leaders, including Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi and PTI’s provincial president Junaid Akbar, as evidence of what it described as an “aggressive agenda” behind the protest.
The statement specifically referred to remarks attributed to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi, alleging that his statements about firing, civil war and shutting down Karachi were intended to provoke PTI workers and fuel anti-state sentiments.
It also cited Junaid Akbar’s remarks that Islamabad would be turned into “Somnath” if force was used against PTI protesters. Akbar made the statement while addressing a gathering in Peshawar ahead of the September 27 protest.
The government further criticised statements attributed to PTI leaders regarding the closure of infrastructure and disruption of supplies, alleging that such remarks could put national interests at risk.
Political commentators cited in the government statement described PTI’s protest strategy as confrontational and referred to previous episodes of unrest, including the May 9 and November 26 protest.
PTI, however, has maintained that its September 27 mobilisation is a political and democratic movement aimed at securing the release of party founder Imran Khan. Afridi has previously described the planned march as “peaceful yet decisive,” while PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar has said the party does not intend to storm Islamabad or take the law into its own hands.
The PTI has confirmed that it will proceed with the September 27 protest, with the party expected to announce its detailed protest plan on September 25.