Federal Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has claimed that while Imran Khan, the founder of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), agreed to change the location of the party’s protest, his wife, Bushra Bibi, insisted on proceeding to D-Chowk, which led to chaos.
Asif spoke to the media in Sialkot, recalling the November 24 protest call by PTI, which resulted in party workers bypassing barricades and heading to Islamabad. The confrontations with security forces led to casualties, including the martyrdom of Rangers and police personnel, and numerous injuries. Asif praised the security forces for their efforts to prevent what he referred to as the third attack on the federal government.
He criticized PTI’s leadership for retreating when confronted with resistance, comparing their actions to a lack of determination seen in wartime movements. Asif stated that while the government had suggested several alternative protest locations, Imran Khan had agreed to the change, but Bushra Bibi’s insistence on D-Chowk led to the conflict.
Asif further described how Bushra Bibi, unfamiliar with managing large crowds, expressed concern about going to D-Chowk but ultimately insisted on continuing the march. He also recounted that when things turned chaotic, Bushra Bibi and PTI leader Ali Amin Gandapur fled the scene, even getting hit by bricks during their escape.
Regarding the reported fatalities during the protest, Asif criticized PTI’s conflicting death toll reports. He claimed the number of fatalities had been significantly reduced to single digits, with no concrete evidence to support the earlier claims of mass deaths. No videos or statements from families had surfaced to confirm the initial reports, he said.
Asif also welcomed the resumption of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) European flights, calling it a positive development that would strengthen the airline’s market share in Europe and aid its privatization efforts.
NEWS DESK
PRESS UPDATE