ISLAMABAD 30 May (Online): Defense Minister Khawaja Asif defended the military against allegations of involvement on Tuesday in former premier Imran Khan’s arrest saying the army had “no role” in it.
Speaking to journalists outside the parliament, the minister said, “Imran Khan was not arrested by the Rangers or the military. The Rangers only assisted the police in carrying out the arrest.”
He also lambasted the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chief for “hurling baseless accusations at the armed forces”, which he maintained was in fact an effort to “justify” the May 9 attacks.
On May 9, in an unprecendented show of vandalism, protestors allegedly belonging to the PTI, vandalised public and state properties and even attacked the General Headquarters in Rawalpindi and Lahore corps commander’s residence.
The attack occurred hours after the paramilitary Rangers arrested Imran in the Al-Qadir Trust corruption case, later retitled as National Crime Agency £190 million scandal, on the orders of the National Accountability Bureau, from the Islamabad High Court premises.
The rioting was followed by a harsh crackdown against the former ruling party leaders and workers that still continues.
“Imran Khan is now trying to explain the organised attacks of military installations and trying to hunt for excuses for having instigated people [against the army],” Asif said.
He also revealed that there had not been any discussion between the allied parties of the ruling coalition over the imposition of a ban on the PTI.
Notably, while several PML-N leaders have expressed their support for the idea, the PPP on different occasions has hinted its opposition to banning a political party.
Nonetheless, Asif said that “immediate dialogue could be called should the need arise”.
“One cannot rule out a ban on the PTI,” he added.
In response to another question, he said that PML-N supremo and former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif “will certainly return to Pakistan”.
It may be noted that the Supreme Court (Review of Judgements and Orders) Bill, 2023, has renewed hopes of Nawaz’s return.
Under the new law, politicians including Nawaz Sharif and PTI’s former secretary general Jahangir Khan Tareen who were disqualified for life under Article 62 (1) (f) of the Constitution will also be able to file a review petition.
However, Federal Minister for Law Azam Nazeer Tarar said the new law will not benefit Nawaz Sharif.
Talking to he said, he claimed that this law is not person-specific.
“The Supreme Court (Practice and Procedure) Bill may have a bearing on [Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz supreme leader] Nawaz Sharif but that bill has been suspended by the apex court,” he said.
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