Islamabad, December 10, 2024: Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has accused the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) of exploiting ethnic sentiments for political leverage by playing the “Pashtun card.” Speaking during a National Assembly session on Tuesday, Asif criticized PTI leaders for spreading misinformation about the reported deaths of supporters during the November 26 protest.
“Where is the family of the deceased?” Asif asked, questioning the authenticity of the claims made by PTI leaders. The minister highlighted growing divisions within the PTI, claiming that internal disagreements had led to conflicting narratives among its leadership. Referring to PTI leader Omar Ayub’s recent speech, Asif alleged that key leaders, including Bushra Bibi, had fled the protest site alongside others when tensions escalated.
He also pointed out an incident involving PTI leader Ali Amin Gandapur, accusing him of abandoning the protest and fleeing the scene. Asif claimed that video evidence showed Gandapur’s car being attacked by disgruntled PTI supporters after he left, and alleged that Gandapur’s security guards had fired shots to disperse the crowd.
Criticizing the use of ethnic rhetoric, the minister remarked, “After Ayub Khan, his relatives are playing the provincialism card,” suggesting that PTI leaders were leveraging ethnic identities for political purposes.
The National Assembly session further highlighted the heated exchanges between government and opposition lawmakers, with accusations flying over the political strategies and tactics employed by both sides.
