PTI Should Be Treated as a Terrorist Entity: Azma Bokhari
In response to Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI)’s insistence on holding a rally at Islamabad’s D-Chowk, Punjab Minister for Information, Azma Bokhari, has stated that the party should be treated as a terrorist entity rather than a political party.
PTI’s Rally at D-Chowk Despite Warnings
Speaking during an interview on Geo News’ program Geo Pakistan, Bokhari expressed her concern about PTI’s planned rally, which is set to coincide with the visit of foreign dignitaries to Islamabad, including the Malaysian prime minister. Despite warnings from Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, PTI has persisted in its demand to hold the gathering. Bokhari said, “The [PTI] is not a political party and should be treated as a terrorist entity.”
Naqvi’s Warning Against the Rally
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi had previously warned PTI against holding the public gathering, emphasizing the disruption it could cause to diplomatic visits and the upcoming Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit. Authorities have already enforced Section 144 and the Peaceful Assembly and Public Order Act, 2024, to regulate public gatherings in sensitive areas of Islamabad.
Naqvi stressed that PTI’s top leadership should reconsider the rally, warning that “No one will be allowed for an onrush on Islamabad.”
PTI’s Anti-Government Campaign
PTI, founded by former Prime Minister Imran Khan, is staging protests demanding the independence of the judiciary and the release of Khan from jail. However, Azma Bokhari criticized the party’s methods, accusing PTI of causing unrest and working against Pakistan’s progress.
PTI Accused of Creating Anarchy
Bokhari accused PTI of instigating violence during previous protests, including the use of teargas against police. She remarked that if the protests had been peaceful, authorities would not have intervened. Instead, PTI sought to create anarchy.
“The country is progressing and inflation is dropping, but they cannot sit with peace,” she said, pointing out that PTI has consistently disrupted the nation’s progress.
Punjab Remains Peaceful Amid PTI Protests
Highlighting the contrast between Punjab and other regions, Bokhari stated that Punjab remains peaceful, with people continuing their daily activities without interest in PTI’s demonstrations. She credited the efforts of the Punjab government and its chief minister for ensuring calm in the province.
Bokhari also called upon the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to question PTI’s performance, accusing the party of using public resources for vandalism rather than governance.