SIALKOT: Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has said that a coordinated conspiracy orchestrated by a political party targeted military installations and properties on May 9th.
Speaking at a press conference held at his residence, Asif said that the Corps Commander House in Lahore, Mianwali Air Base, and GHQ Rawalpindi were subjected to planned attacks.
He said that while political parties have historically held differences with the establishment, this instance marked a departure as it followed a vote of no-confidence against the said political party.
Asif said that the attacks were meticulously planned, evident from media-recorded videos and the subsequent arrests of numerous people. He condemned the crossing of a ‘red line’ and underscored the severity of the conspiracy, stating that it posed a significant threat to Pakistan’s integrity and its armed forces.
The Defence Minister criticized the political party’s leadership for inciting violence and manipulating its workers to target military installations and martyrs’ memorials. He lamented the abandonment of these workers in challenging times, with some facing terrorism charges while others await legal proceedings.
Furthermore, Asif denounced attempts to destabilize national institutions, noting that the audacity displayed in the attacks surpassed even those of Pakistan’s adversaries. He questioned the contradictory stance of the party leadership, citing their recent calls for negotiations with specific parties as indicative of their flawed approach.
Advocating for a comprehensive national dialogue involving all stakeholders, including the judiciary, establishment, and political entities, Asif emphasized the importance of inclusive negotiations to address the country’s challenges.
He criticized the lack of consistency and principles in the political rhetoric of Imran Khan, particularly in light of his party’s involvement in the May 9th incident. Asif assured that the matter would be thoroughly discussed in the National Assembly.
