Exploiting martyrs’ sacrifice for petty political gains a ‘grave crime’: PTI

PML-N leaders Khawaja Asif and Atta Tarar are among those ‘criminals’ rejected by public, says spokesperson

Responding to Information Minister Attaullah Tarar's statement, a spokesperson for the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) on Wednesday stated that the martyrs are the collective assets of the nation, transcending any political or group divisions.

In a statement, the spokesperson asserted that those martyred while fulfilling their duty of defending the homeland are true heroes, and disrespecting them by exploiting their sacrifice for petty political gains constitutes a grave crime.

The PTI spokesperson remarked that the “attacks” on the armed forces and its martyrs have been a tradition of PML-N supreme leader Nawaz Sharif, his daughter Maryam Nawaz, and his cohorts.

“Khawaja Asif and Atta Tarar are among those criminals rejected by the public, yet they were ushered into the assembly through rigged mandates,” he added.

Read more: Info minister claims PTI behind social media campaign against armed forces

The spokesperson emphasised that the “assaults” on the sanctity and dignity of the martyrs from within the federal cabinet pose a significant challenge for the state.

He further said that the usurper prime minister manipulates his ministers and uses the martyrs as fuel for his politics, thereby hurting the sensitivities of their families and the nation.

The statement came after Tarar, addressing a press conference in Lahore, said that the PTI was behind the propaganda against the armed forces and warned the former ruling party of action.

Tarar said the Pakistan Army is the "guarantee of our survival" and that the humiliation of martyrs will not be tolerated. "I condemn the insulting social media campaign launched by a political party against the martyrs and their sacrifices," said the information minister.

“Those who are responsible and campaigning for their own political interests will be held accountable. The humiliation of the country's interest and martyrs will not be allowed.”

Tarar maintained that social media should be used responsibly and warned the accounts involved in the malicious campaign of action following an investigation.

"Many social media accounts are being operated from abroad but some are also present in Pakistan and the list of these account holders is being prepared," said Tarar.

“Those who humiliate our martyrs are enemies of the country. Where does the courage to insult these martyrs come from? Pakistan comes first, and only if the country exists, do politics and politicians exist,” the minister further said.