LAHORE:
The PML-N has staunchly opposed any form of relief for the embattled former ruling party, PTI, and its workers, no matter how small, believing that restoring political normality would be the beginning of the end of its own rule.
Several senior PML-N leaders have expressed concern over the PTI being given political respite despite its alleged involvement in the May 9 riots.
On several occasions, ruling party leaders appear to have claimed that the military establishment should put the final nail in the PTI’s political coffin, setting a precedent for anyone who dares to challenge the powerful force, as it did with the MQM.
While the PTI’s downfall began when it found itself at odds with the establishment, it has recently turned into a battle between PML-N and PTI.
The PTI’s recent attempts at reconciliation have irritated the PML-N, which is hell-bent on ensuring that the dialogue process, particularly the clandestine negotiations, reaches a dead end.
The latest salvo against the PTI came from Punjab Information Minister Azma Bukhari, who, in a press conference on Friday, warned that pardoning the PTI would open the floodgates for future riots similar to the one on May 9.
He stressed that those who were released from prison and are now preparing to repeat incidents similar to May 9 should never be pardoned. “In the future they will be denied help,” he added. “PTI members are experts in lying.”
“They have the habit of telling lies without any shame.” He also highlighted that while Imran Khan is in jail, he is spreading rumors, claiming that prisons in KPK are collapsing and no one is willing to go there.
“I stand in solidarity with the children who are victims of PTI’s false propaganda,” Azma continued, adding that while their parents are calling for their release, these children are ready to repeat the chaos of May 9. “The rioters are walking free and should not be given any leniency,” he said.
