Bushra Bibi wanted bloodshed, ran away over fear of arrest: Tarar

Federal Information Minister criticises PTI for spreading claims of casualties to bolster their political narrative

Federal Information Minister Ataullah Tarar has alleged that Bushra Bibi, the wife of PTI founder Imran Khan, intended to provoke violence during recent protests, but PTI leaders fled the scene fearing arrest.

Addressing a press conference in Islamabad, Tarar criticised the party for spreading baseless claims of casualties to bolster their political narrative.

“They brought modern weapons, teargas shells, and slingshots, attacked police, and then claimed people were killed,” he said.

“No evidence supports these claims, and hospitals confirm no bodies were brought in. This is yet another attempt by PTI to seek political mileage.”

The minister revealed that 37 Afghan nationals and several individuals with criminal backgrounds were arrested during the protests.

Authorities also confiscated 45 firearms, grenades, and teargas guns allegedly used to incite chaos.

Tarar dismissed PTI’s narrative as “lies and fabrication,” adding, “This is the only political party that actively seeks casualties to declare martyrdom. If they claim lives were lost, they must provide proof, such as post-mortem reports.”

The minister accused PTI of aiming to disrupt national stability, intending to cancel Belarus’s president’s visit to the country.

“This was a calculated attempt to harm Pakistan’s economy and tarnish its image internationally,” he stated.

Tarar also criticised PTI leaders for abandoning their workers, singling out Ali Amin Gandapur.

“This is the second time he has fled, leaving his supporters behind. He should never wear a turban again,” he remarked.

Commenting on the party’s alleged dependence on external support, Tarar said, “Even PTI’s 126-day sit-in succeeded only because of backing from the establishment at the time. Without it, they lack the competence and political strength to sustain movements.”

The minister concluded by declaring that PTI’s protests, strategies, and rhetoric have failed. “This political movement stands exposed. Lies, hypocrisy, and violence have been rejected by the people,” he said.

PTI’s ‘final call’ still on: CM Gandapur in Mansehra

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur said on Wednesday that the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) protest is still ongoing, asserting that only party founder Imran Khan has the authority to decide when it will be called off.

In the early hours of Wednesday, the party announced a "temporary suspension" of its "do-or-die" protest, following a midnight crackdown by law enforcement officials that successfully dispersed PTI workers.

Speaking at a press conference in Mansehra today, CM Gandapur emphasised that the protest, which had been initiated by Imran, was not just a political demonstration but part of a broader movement for Pakistan’s future.

Despite PTI’s repeated claims to be a peaceful party, CM Gandapur accused the government of oppressive actions against PTI supporters, including illegal detentions, violence against demonstrators, and restrictions on freedom of assembly.

He also claimed that the party had been consistently denied permission to hold peaceful rallies.

CM Gandapur reiterated that Imran Khan had always pledged that the party would uphold peace and non-violence in their protests.

However, he contended that the administration had consistently thwarted their attempts to peacefully express their demands.

The PTI had planned to hold a protest at Islamabad's D-Chowk, which they intended to keep peaceful, but Gandapur stated that the government had responded with force.

“The protest will continue as long as Imran Khan, the leader of our movement, he says and added "This is not just a political demonstration but a fight for our fundamental rights,” Gandapur said.

He further added that the movement will not end until Khan issues a call to cease it, no matter what challenges they face.

According to CM Gandapur, the PTI protest was not solely aimed at political victory but was part of the party’s larger struggle to ensure basic freedoms and uphold the dignity of Pakistani citizens.

He strongly criticised the government’s tactics, claiming that PTI workers had been subjected to brutal police violence, including deaths and injuries.

K-P chief minister mentioned that the protests had been met with gunfire and that many PTI members had been severely injured or killed.

“We have been peaceful throughout this movement, but the government has met our peaceful protests with extreme measures,” CM Gandapur said.

“If we are not allowed to protest peacefully, we will continue our movement in other forms, but it will remain alive until the end of this struggle.”

He also expressed his gratitude and respect for PTI workers who had faced these hardships with unwavering resolve. “I salute our workers for their sacrifices. This is not just a struggle for today but for our children and the future of Pakistan,” CM Gandapur remarked.

CM Gandapur concluded by stressing that even though PTI had been subjected to violence, the spirit of the movement was unbroken.

“If the authorities use force against us, we will respond with peaceful resistance. But no matter what, the movement will continue, and it will persist until Imran Khan calls for its end,” CM Gandapur declared.