Imran praised me for slapping Daniyal Aziz: Naeemul Haque

Accuses Daniyal of continuously attacking and lying about Imran’s character

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Naeemul Haque has revealed that the party chairman Imran Khan praised him slapping Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N)’s Daniya Aziz during a tv show.

Speaking to a private news channel, Haque reflected on a recent incident where he had slammed Aziz with a back-handed slap before launching a tirade of abuses after the latter accused him of being a ‘thief’.

“Most of the PML-N leaders have great respect for me,” said Haque. “But this man [Aziz] continuously attacked and lied about Imran’s character. He went on to call me a thief – on which I naturally reacted by slapping him.”

#PTI Chief #ImranKhan has also praised me for slapping #DaniyalAziz: #NaeemulHaq@naeemul_haque @PTIofficial #DunyaNews #DunyaVideos @DaniyalNA116 #DunyaUpdates pic.twitter.com/jpZHA0bEq5

— Dunya News (@DunyaNews) May 25, 2018

Haque, who is a friend and spokesperson for Imran, claimed that the party chief was all praises and believed Aziz deserved it. “I have received positive feedback by PTI supporters as well,” he added.

Shortly after, however, the PTI leader denied he was praised by Imran Khan.

Contrary to what some media is projecting IK never appreciated the slap but commended me for countering the abusive and false onslaught of Danial. IK never encourages use of violence anywhere anytime.

— Naeem ul Haque (@naeemul_haque) May 25, 2018

While the incident was condemned by most, it was endorsed by PTI leaders including Imran Ismail.

@DaniyalNA116 ہُن آرام اے Rok Sako To Rok Lo pic.twitter.com/7kxAncHBL2

— Imran Ismail (@ImranIsmailPTI) May 22, 2018

Earlier, Haque had termed the incident “unfortunate spur of the moment reaction” and condemned Aziz for using “abusive language” against PTI leadership and Pakistan Army. “I hope he can mend his ways and stop spinning mistruths.”

While it was an unfortunate spur of the moment reaction, Danial Azizs abusive language against PTI leadership and his attack on Pakistan army are regrettable unacceptable and condemnable. I hope he can mend his ways and stop spinning mistruths.

— Naeem ul Haque (@naeemul_haque) May 23, 2018

Earlier, PTI’s head of media department Iftikhar Durrani told The Express Tribune that Aziz had ‘intimidated’ Haque into reacting in a violent manner. “Aziz is one of the PML-N leaders who frequently use foul language on TV channels. He has been appointed merely for shoe-shining of ousted prime minister Nawaz Sharif, he has no credentials to become a minister,” said Durrani. “It is their hallmark – PML-N is the custodian of vulgar language in the political history of Pakistan.”