Senator Siddiqui demands strict action against PTI for 'targeting' army

PTI leaders are accusing army of violating human rights in meeting with foreign diplomats, says PML-N senator

PML-N Senator Irfan Siddiqui has urged the coalition government to deal the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) with iron fist for “targeting and running a propaganda campaign” against the military.

Speaking to journalists at the Parliament House in Islamabad on Friday, the ruling party senator said in the past the army generals were always criticised for meddling in political matters and violating the Constitution by imposing martial law.

But today, he said the PTI is targeting the Pakistan Army as an institution and also attempted to make the incumbent army chief controversial even before his appointment. “He [army chief] is still being targeted,” the PML-N senator added.

Responding to a question, Senator Siddiqui said that PTI is targeting the army not only domestically but also internationally.

Also read: ‘Brainless actions’ against PTI only widening gulf between state and people: Imran

He said that the demonstrations against establishment outside the British Prime Minister's residence in London and in Brussels are part of the same plan. “Letters are being written to the United Nations and other institutions. Propaganda firms are being hired for this purpose,” he added.

Senator Siddiqui said PTI leaders are meeting foreign diplomats in Islamabad to “convince them that the army is violating fundamental human rights in the country through the government and the army is responsible for whatever is happening”.

He said that targeting the army as an institution and accusing its chief is tantamount to playing with national security.

Senator Siddiqui maintained that the coalition government was showing unnecessary leniency to the PTI leaders and demanded that those involved in the anti-military campaigns should be brought to justice without any further delay.