Govt blames PTI for violence in Bannu peace march

Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Atta Tarar, on Sunday accused the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) of orchestrating violence during the Bannu peace march.

 “PTI has a history of violent politics. They seek casualties to blame on security forces, acting more like a terrorist organisation than a political party. I call them TTP-PTI,” Tarar said during a press conference in Islamabad.

The minister stated that creating instability in the country is part of PTI's manifesto, as evidenced by the attack on the Pakistan Television building in Islamabad by its workers in 2014.

He remarked that the party has consistently promoted the politics of violence and used abusive language against political opponents.

Attaullah Tarar claimed that PTI always seeks to exploit dead bodies to propagate against the government, police, and security forces. He alleged that the incidents of May 9 last year were orchestrated in search of 50 to 60 dead bodies, with the aim of derailing the entire system and spreading anarchy in the country.

“PTI elements infiltrated the traders' peace march in Bannu, instigating chaos and firing near the attack site. One person died, and 22 were injured. Thankfully, a major disaster was averted.”

Responding to reports about former prime minister Imran Khan's imprisonment conditions, Tarar denied he was being held in a death row cell.

“The Sharif family endured harsh conditions, but Imran Khan enjoys presidential suites at Adiala Jail, with access to a gym, kitchen, walking gallery, and luxurious meals.”

The minister also mentioned ongoing investigations into the attack on the Pakistani consulate in Germany.

“We are identifying involved Pakistani citizens through video footage. Their ID cards and passports will be revoked, and severe action will follow. If political elements are involved, Imran Khan won’t be able to save them.”