Anti-Pakistan elements have exposed themselves: Firdous

Dr Firdous Ashiq Awan on Sunday addressed allegations made by Zalmay Khalilzad regarding the establishment of a new political party called Istehkam-e-Pakistan (IPP) and its potential implications for Pakistan's political landscape.

In a tweet, she reassured the nation that there was no cause for panic and dismissed Khalilzad's claims as an attempt to destabilise the country and incite a civil war.

Responding directly to Khalilzad's tweet, she stated that the recent statement made it clear that certain elements, who sought to destabilise Pakistan and trigger a civil war, had openly revealed themselves. She emphasised that the IPP wanted to secure Pakistan's interests.

Read more: Khalilzad urges course correction in Pakistan

Firdous said that these elements might resort to social media platforms to express their discontent, but she urged the nation not to be worried.

Khalilzad, a former diplomat, had alleged in his tweet that Pakistan's establishment was sponsoring the IPP with the aim of elevating it to a significant position in the next parliament, thereby ensuring continued influence of the military establishment in the country's governance. He argued that this move followed a pattern observed in Pakistan's history, where previous military rulers had established and manipulated political parties to undermine genuine political leaders who challenged their authority. Khalilzad expressed concern that such tactics repressed the democratic process and hindered Pakistan's progress in addressing its economic and social challenges.