Latif demands punishment for those who launched ‘project Imran’

If serving officials can face court-martial, then retired ones should also face the same, says PML-N leader

Javed Latif, federal minister and senior leader of the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), has demanded that those responsible for launching "project Imran" be held accountable and face punishment.

Addressing a press conference in Lahore on Wednesday, Latif expressed concerns over the consequences of not addressing the issue, warning that similar incidents to the May 9 riots could occur again.

Latif stressed the importance of self-accountability within institutions, stating, "If one institution initiates self-accountability, it sends a good message. All institutions should go through the process of self-accountability. The institution that provides justice should also go through self-accountability."

He further added that the individuals responsible for launching the "project" should be arrested and punished to avoid any recurrence of chaos and economic turmoil in Pakistan.

The PML-N leader went on to express his desire for severe punishment for those involved in the May 9 riots, even suggesting public hangings at street intersections. Latif warned against any leniency shown towards the perpetrators, asserting that the nation would not tolerate it.

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He also called for the accountability of the facilitators and masterminds, regardless of their influence or power, emphasising the need to hold accountable those who violated the Constitution and harmed the nation.

Referring to recent events, Latif commended one institution for setting an example by initiating self-accountability and expressed hope that the institution responsible for providing justice would follow suit. He stated, "The evidence of facilitation is already there... Pakistan is being destroyed in order to save one person," indirectly implying the involvement of political motives behind the situation.

The PML-N leader highlighted the challenges faced by Pakistan in the absence of former prime minister Nawaz Sharif, suggesting that it was becoming increasingly difficult for the country to function without him.

Latif claimed that even individuals within institutions acknowledged this fact, stating, "People sitting in institutions are also acknowledging that it is becoming difficult for Pakistan to function without Nawaz Sharif. The PML-N does not want elections to be delayed even for one moment."

He concluded by stressing the importance of criticizing decisions that have led to Pakistan's deteriorating condition and expressed the party's belief that facilitation for PTI chief Imran Khan had taken place, which had now been proven.

It remains to be seen how Latif's demands and assertions will be received by other political parties and institutions in Pakistan. As the nation moves forward, the call for accountability and the handling of the situation will play a crucial role in shaping the country's political landscape and ensuring stability.