- PTI’s ‘Youth Force’ implicated in shooting at police: minister.
- Said unarmed police officers deployed on orders of Punjab CM.
- Azma Bokhar says Bushra Bibi is inciting violence in the country.
Punjab Information Minister Azma Bokhari said the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) was planning to stage May 9-like violent protests in the country as its supporters faced attacks “Unarmed” police officers performing security duties during their highly publicized “last call” protests.
PTI supporters are marching towards the federal capital on the call of their jailed party founder Imran Khan to assemble at D-Chowk in the capital and stay there until their demands are met. The release of the imprisoned ex-Prime Minister, among other things, is what the party is seeking.
“They want May 9, part II,” the provincial minister said on Monday, speaking to a hastily called reporter in Lahore.
She added that one police constable lost his life in clashes with the PTI protesters, while nearly 70 others were injured, including five policemen in critical condition.
She alleged that the PTI’s ‘Youth Force’ was involved in firing on policemen. Several other clashes were reported elsewhere in the province, she added.
However, the former ruling party continues its agenda of “violence” to launch “corpse politics”, she said.
Bokhari said the state was showing patience and tolerance towards the protesters and the policemen were not armed as per the directives of the Punjab Chief Minister.
“We will not let them storm the capital,” she promised, adding that around 80 Khan supporters had been arrested.
She also criticized the party founded by Imran Khan for “attacking the state” and, on the other hand, showing its willingness to carry out negotiations. Opposing talks with the PTI, Bokhari said any negotiation with them would only encourage them to continue violence.
“We welcome Bushra Bibi into politics,” the provincial minister said, accusing the former first lady of inciting violence and using the “religion card” while addressing the caravan of PTI protesters led by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur towards the federal capital. .
On the other hand, the PTI accused the government of using violent tactics to block protesters, saying it had arrested hundreds of workers and leaders.
The company also claimed that numerous employees were also injured due to the officers’ use of force.
Authorities have imposed a security lockdown for the past two days to block protesters, whom jailed PTI founder Imran Khan has called to march to Parliament for a sit-in to demand his release, while highways leading to the city was barricaded.
The government used shipping containers to block Islamabad’s main roads and streets, many of them patrolled by large contingents of police and paramilitaries in riot gear.
PTI convoys from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, currently in Punjab, are heading to Islamabad to protest, initially called for Sunday, November 24.