ISLAMABAD: Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif has accused Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) of allegedly coordinating with the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) to create unrest similar to the May 9, 2023 violence.
The statement comes as PTI prepares for an October 4 long march to Islamabad, with the party demanding the release of its founder, Imran Khan.
In a statement on X, Asif alleged that preparations were underway for an attack in coordination with the TTP. He said the planned activity could not be treated as a conventional political protest, alleging that it was being organised as an armed attack against the federation.
The defence minister further alleged that the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government, along with PTI’s provincial leadership, had prepared a plan to trigger unrest and violence during the long march, allegedly with TTP involvement.
Asif also claimed that PTI’s provincial government and protest organisers had formed groups to carry out attacks under the cover of demonstrations and rallies. He alleged that military and police installations and posts could be targeted or surrounded as part of the planned activity.
The defence minister issued what he described as a “clear-cut warning” to the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government and long march organisers, saying any attempt to recreate circumstances similar to the May 9, 2023 unrest would be dealt with forcefully.