Defence Minister Khawaja Asif stated that a decision on whether to try Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) protesters under the Pakistan Army Act has not yet been reached. The statement from Asif came following widespread violence in the streets of Pakistan after the arrest of PTI’s party chairman Imran Khan. The military condemned the attacks and promised to prosecute the perpetrators under the laws of the land, including the Pakistan Army Act and the Official Secrets Act. However, in an interview with Geo News, Asif indicated that a decision on whether to use the Army Act has not yet been taken.
Imran Khan was arrested on May 9, which led to massive protests and attacks on military installations across the country, including the General Headquarters in Rawalpindi. Asif accused PTI senior leader Dr Yasim Rashid of inciting party workers to attack the Lahore Corps Commander’s House. Imran Khan denied the accusations and blamed the agency’s men for the arson attacks and shooting.
Asif assured that the protesters would face the law for whatever they had done, and no one would be let off the hook, including Imran Khan. He further added that the majority of the protestors had been identified and wondered whether the PTI chief would disown them now. The minister also claimed that PTI’s women workers were the first in line involved in the violent protests. Even though Asif criticized PTI and its protest actions, he indicated that his government had no plans to ban the party.