- Imran allowed the PTI to hold a protest in Sangjani, says Saif.
- “I think Murad Saeed was not there (Islamabad),” he adds.
- No LEA personnel were authorized to use live ammunition, Tarar explains.
ISLAMABAD: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government spokesperson Barrister Mohammad Ali Saif on Sunday rejected the Centre’s claim that Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chief Murad Saeed was hiding in the CM House in Peshawar.
Speaking on Geo News show “Naya Pakistan”, lawyer Saif said, “If they had seen Murad Saeed, they would have arrested him. » He asked why the government did not arrest Saeed if he had been spotted at the Islamabad protest.
“I think Murad Saeed was not there,” he added.
Responding to a question, lawyer Saif said the PTI protesters were unarmed, adding that the law enforcers opened fire directly on their workers. He believed that the government was deceiving the nation.
Replying to another question, he reiterated: “The PTI founder allowed us to hold a protest demonstration in Sangjani (Islamabad district).
His remarks came hours after Information Minister Attaullah Tarar claimed that the PTI leader, who fled after the May 9 riots, was staying at the CM House in the PTI-ruled province .
Addressing a press conference earlier in the day, Tarar claimed that Saeed was seen leading a group of party supporters armed with guns, shells and pellets, which were recovered from the front line after their arrest.
The embattled PTI marched on Islamabad last month, responding to party founder Imran Khan’s “last call”, despite orders from the Islamabad High Court (IHC) banning its “do or die” protest » in the federal capital, which violated the new peaceful agreement. law on meetings.
During the three days of demonstrations, violent clashes broke out between the police and the demonstrators. At least five members of the security forces, including three Rangers and two police officers, were killed in these clashes. On the other hand, the former ruling party claimed that at least 12 of its workers and supporters were killed.
Tarar challenged the PTI to share with the public the video evidence that could prove that law enforcement agencies had opened fire directly on its protesters who descended on Islamabad.
“I shared video evidence that shows how a person participating in the protest told protesters to open fire indiscriminately on the police. Now I challenge the PTI to share a video of direct firing or use of live bullets by the LEA against the protesters.
Different videos were shown during the press conference showing how the PTI protesters used guns, shells and pellets against the LEAs.
Tarar categorically rejected PTI’s “direct” propaganda on social media, saying it was PTI that brought professional criminals and Afghan nationals to the protest to ensure there would be bloodshed in the city .
“No LAS member was allowed to use live ammunition,” he said, adding that the fake videos and photos were created to cover up their humiliation and political failure during the so-called “final call “.
The minister said Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) and Poly Clinic had already issued their press releases clearly denying any bullet-related deaths.
He said the PTI had a history of organizing violent protests in the country and had given a call for protest every time a foreign delegation visited the country, citing the party’s recent protests during the summit of the SCO which brought together the prime ministers of 12 countries.
“States never bow down to anyone,” he said, adding that the government of Pakistan would maintain law and order and law and order at all costs by ensuring public safety.
“The purpose of their protest is to collect dead bodies, derail peace and sabotage the economy,” he noted.
— Additional contribution from the APP.