Pakistan Government Calls PTI Leaders for Alleged Anti-State Activities

Synopsis

In a political confrontation, the Pakistani government has summoned 16 PTI leaders, including senior figures, to address allegations of spreading anti-state propaganda. This comes amidst rising tensions related to national security and recent violent incidents in Balochistan.

Key Takeaways

JIT summons 16 PTI leaders over propaganda claims.
Aleema Khanum to appear on March 19.
Criticism of government handling of national security.
Qaiser speaks against treatment of Baloch leaders.
Emphasis on need for a stable government in Balochistan.

Islamabad, March 17 (NationPress) In a significant political conflict in Pakistan, the Joint Investigation Team (JIT) constituted by the federal government has re-issued summons to 16 members of Imran Khan-led Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), including several senior party figures, to appear on March 18 due to allegations of disseminating negative propaganda through social media, as reported by local media.

The JIT asserts that it has investigated the PTI members regarding their purported involvement in anti-state propaganda. Aleema Khanum, sister of the PTI founder, has also received another notice to appear on March 19, according to sources cited by ARY News.

Previously, during a session in the National Assembly discussing the severe assault on the Jaffar Express train in Balochistan, Pakistan's Defence Minister Khawaja Asif criticized PTI for allegedly “politicizing” the incident and misrepresenting the situation on social media.

Conversely, PTI parliamentarian and former National Assembly speaker Asad Qaiser condemned the government's approach to national security, contending that the Defence Minister should have updated the House on the Jaffar Express incident instead of engaging in political disputes.

“It appears that PTI and social media occupy the minister's thoughts more than national security. Asif should display moral courage and resign over this serious security failure,” the leading Pakistani daily Dawn quoted the parliamentarian as stating.

Qaiser further criticized the treatment of Baloch leaders, highlighting the arrests and legal proceedings against Sardar Akhtar Mengal and Adil Bazai. “There is no Constitution, law, or respect for institutions in the country,” he remarked.

“The main duty of intelligence agencies is to secure borders and combat terrorism. If they are preoccupied with political maneuvering and attempting to undermine Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, who will safeguard the borders? Terrorism is escalating in Balochistan, yet no political resolution is being pursued. Stability cannot be achieved until a government founded on public trust is established throughout the country, including Balochistan,” read a statement shared on the X account of imprisoned former Prime Minister Imran Khan.

While addressing the growing terrorism issue in the nation on Sunday, PTI leader and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur also questioned the federal government's security response.

“Today, I boldly declare that the resurgence of militancy is a result of the failures of those in power and the incompetence of the federal government and institutions,” he stated.