LAHORE: Maryam Nawaz, the Chief Organiser of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), has referred to the “disintegration” of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) as karma for the actions of the previous ruling party.
Maryam made these remarks while addressing PML-N’s religious scholars’ wing in Lahore on Saturday.
She stated, “The Tehreek-e-Insaf is going back to where it started from. There is a line of people exiting the party.” Maryam’s statement comes as several PTI leaders have recently resigned in protest against the riots that erupted following Chairman Imran Khan’s arrest.
The enraged protesters targeted military installations, including the Lahore Corps Commanders House and the General Headquarters (GHQ) entrance, during the days-long unrest.
During her address, Maryam claimed that Imran Khan was the “mastermind” behind the May 9 protests and had allegedly trained the rioters at his Zaman Park residence over the past six months. She criticized Khan for condemning the protests after they occurred, stating, “The people who issue such frivolous condemnations should be thrashed.”
Maryam Nawaz labels PTI as terrorist organization
Maryam further labeled the PTI as a “terrorist organization” that has consistently attempted to sabotage the country. She cited Khan’s nephew Hassaan Niazi’s presence in pictures from the May 9 protests and an alleged audio leak involving core member Dr. Yasmin Rashid as evidence of PTI’s involvement.
She questioned, “Which political workers know how to make petrol bombs? The Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) also announced that it participated in the protests and supported Imran Khan.”
Several high-profile leaders, including members of the National Assembly and provincial assembly, have recently resigned from the PTI. These announcements followed a crackdown on the party following the violent protests. The government has vowed to prosecute all those involved in the attacks on military installations under the Pakistan Army Act.
In response to the accusations, PTI chief Imran Khan has distanced the party from the attacks and called for an independent investigation.
