Punjab’s Provincial Minister for Information and Culture Azma Bokhari has strongly condemned the violent protests by activists of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), reported 24NewsHD TV channel.
In an emergency press conference Monday, she criticized the chaos and violence, which has resulted in severe injuries to over 70 police personnel and many have been taken hostage by the protesters."
“Today, a young constable Mubashir was martyred due to the protest, and five others are in critical condition," reiterated Bokhari.
“PTI is no peaceful or political organization.”
She asserted that its protests are a blatant threat to law and order of the country.
Referring to incidents where police vehicles were torched and officers assaulted, she stated that such violence cannot be justified under the guise of democratic rights.
Bokhari also criticized PTI leadership for their role in inciting violence, accusing them of misusing religion for political gain.
“I don’t know what Sharia law they are bringing today, as they continue to spread religion from above," she stated, referring to the PTI leadership's actions during the protest.
She further called out the sons of PTI’s founder, Imran Khan, for participating in the protest.
"The sons of the founder of PTI should come out to protest, and those sons who don’t care about their father are putting the lives of the people at risk for this person," Bokhari added.
Bokhari drew parallels with earlier incidents, citing the martyrdom of another police officer during PTI’s Islamabad protests.
She also mentioned recent violent acts, such as an attack on police personnel at the Hakla Interchange, which claimed another officer’s life.
The provincial minister flayed PTI leaders, including the party chief, for their alleged hypocrisy.
She pointed out that while PTI promotes violence in the name of politics, their own families live abroad, safe from the consequences of their actions.
Bokhari also took a jibe at Bushra Bibi, calling into question her religious statements, and accused PTI leadership of inciting unrest and spreading chaos.
She further highlighted the targeted nature of the attacks, likening them to acts of terrorism: "Taliban target heads, and these so-called political protesters are doing the same."
She expressed grave concern over the severe injuries sustained by officers, including SP Sargodha Samiullah and Constable Wajid, who were critically wounded by gunfire.
Bokhari underscored that the state has shown restraint despite provocation, aiming to avoid the bloodshed desired by the agitators.
“They want May 9 part two, they want bodies to fuel their agenda,” she remarked, reiterating the government’s commitment to maintaining peace.
While criticizing the courts for granting protective bail to individuals accused of violence, she emphasized that the judicial system bears responsibility for ensuring justice.
The minister added that the unrest is confined to Attock, but the government remains vigilant to prevent further escalation.