PESHAWAR: Federal Minister for Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan Amir Muqam Khan on Thursday criticized the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leadership for misleading its supporters, inciting violence and misusing government resources.
Addressing a press conference here, he praised Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir for handling the situation in Islamabad with patience and restraint and stopping bloodshed. He also announced an All Parties Conference (APC) at the Governor’s House on December 5 to deal with the deteriorating situation in the Kuram tribal district and urged all political leaders to attend.
Amir Muqam criticized the PTI for its role in the May 9 attacks, which targeted key state institutions, including the Corps Commander’s House, army stations and radio stations. They claimed that these operations were aimed at provoking a violent response from the government and causing mass casualties. “Their only demand was for bloodshed, but we showed patience and foiled their plans,” he remarked.
The minister expressed dismay at PTI leaders, especially Bushra Bibi and Ali Amin Gandapur, misleading their workers and secretly arranging their escape. “They abandoned the people they called to protest, which tarnishes the image of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and its citizens,” he added.
About the preparations for the PTI rally, Amir Muqam said that more than 900,000 protesters are expected to participate in the rally. However, turnout fell far short, with only around 9,000 people in attendance.
Many participants were paid to attend the rally, he said, adding that 37 Afghan nationals had been identified among the protesters. “Investigations are ongoing, and this misuse of resources and foreign interference is highly condemnable,” he added.
Turning to the growing crisis in Karam district, Maqam criticized PTI’s negligence, recalling their 126-day protest at D Chowk during the severe dengue outbreak in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. “At that time, Shahbaz Sharif, as Chief Minister of Punjab, sent medical teams to help our province while the PTI leadership neglected its responsibilities. Today, history is burning itself with karma. repeats and its leaders are missing,” he remarked.
The PMLN leader disclosed that he had a detailed meeting with Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Faisal Karim Kundi regarding the law and order situation in Karam. As a result, the APC has been called to resolve and facilitate dialogue between the affected factions. He also announced to visit Kohat to meet the representatives of both sides.
Responding to questions about governor’s rule in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Maqam stressed that though no decision has been taken, the failure of the provincial government to maintain law and order could lead to its implementation. “The mandate was given for development, not to misuse resources for political protest. If the situation does not improve, we may have to consider this option,” he said.
Amir Maqam demanded registration of FIR against PTI leaders responsible for misleading the public. He asserted that we will not allow anyone to harm the stability of Pakistan or use its resources for personal interests.