Efforts to Disrupt Islamabad’s Peace
Information Minister Attaullah Tarar has alleged that Murad Saeed, a key figure in Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), orchestrated armed protests in Islamabad while taking refuge in the Chief Minister’s House in Peshawar. Speaking at a press conference on Sunday, Tarar claimed that Saeed led a group of armed Afghan nationals and other instigators, aiming to create unrest in the capital.
“False Narrative” Around Protests
Tarar emphasized that a deliberate attempt was being made to fabricate a false narrative surrounding the protests, both in traditional and social media. He criticized these demonstrations, stating they were staged to distract from political failures. According to him, the public deserved transparency about these events.
Involvement of Armed Individuals
The minister condemned the involvement of trained individuals and Afghan nationals in the protests, noting that many were skilled in handling weapons. Intelligence reports, he added, had warned of attempts to incite violence and casualties during these demonstrations.
Timing and Strategic Disruption
Tarar questioned the protests’ timing, pointing out their occurrence during a foreign dignitary’s visit, which he deemed a calculated move to disrupt the nation’s stability. He also clarified that there was no evidence of firing by law enforcement, as hospital records confirmed no deaths caused by security forces.
Illegal Protests and Recovered Firearms
Labeling the protests “illegal” due to the lack of court permission, Tarar accused PTI leaders of using propaganda to mask their failures. He revealed that 45 firearms had been confiscated from protesters, some of whom he described as criminals exploiting the demonstrations to evade accountability.
Allegations of Misinformation
Tarar criticized international media for spreading false claims about alleged killings during the protests, asserting that these were part of a smear campaign. He reiterated that law enforcement acted with restraint, even as protesters caused damage to public property.
Significant Economic Loss
The minister estimated the financial losses from the unrest at Rs192 billion and praised the people of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa for largely rejecting the protest call, with only a small number of participants attending the demonstrations.
Role of Security Forces and Dismissal of Casualty Claims
Interior Secretary Khurram Ali Agha also addressed the media, denying claims that security forces had opened fire. He attributed any gunfire to the protesters and dismissed casualty allegations as part of a misleading narrative.
Proposal for Accountability
Tarar called for the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) to form a task force to investigate false claims and hold those spreading misinformation accountable. He reaffirmed the government’s dedication to exposing fake news while upholding the rule of law and serving the public.
By concluding with a commitment to transparency and governance, Tarar underscored the state’s resilience against attempts to undermine its authority.
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