Punjab Chief Minister (CM) Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi commented on the recent arrest of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan’s chief of staff Shahbaz Gill in a sedition case.
Talking on Geo News’ programme ‘Geo Pakistan’, Elahi said, “I have given a statement against him [Shahbaz],” adding that these are honourable institutions.
“The Pakistan army protects the border of our country, Aqal hai tumhaaray mein (Are you in your senses?).”
When asked if PTI should distance itself from Shahbaz Gill’s statement, Elahi said, “Definitely yes.”
He further said Khan himself says that “a person who speaks against the army is not a Pakistani”.
PTI leaders reactions
Commenting on Gill’s arrest, Imran Khan termed it an ‘abduction’. He said, “Shahbaz Gill was arrested without any arrest warrant. His driver was tortured and his vehicle was damaged. He should have been given a chance to defend himself.”
About the rumours about his arrest, Khan said that his arrest is a small thing, he can “sacrifice” his life for haqeeqi azadi.
“If someone breaks the law, then there must be an action. Has any show-cause notice been issued to ARY News or given any reason for its suspension? The channel’s transmission was suspended without giving any chance to give a clarification. This is not acceptable in a democratic society. Democracy does not allow someone to take a decision solely and close the channel.”
While Speaking on ARY News, PTI leader Asad Umar said Gill’s words have been misinterpreted.
He further claimed that personally, he has “never heard Gill giving anti-army statements”.
Meanwhile, PTI leader Murad Saeed lashed out at the government after the arrest of his fellow party member. He claimed that this is all the government’s propaganda against PTI as they themselves talk against the army and then link it to PTI.
He further said that the government registers fake FIRs.
The PTI leader said that “handlers and facilitators” can’t compete with the public as they come out on roads whenever Khan asked them to.
“Imran Khan is our redline, don’t cross it, or else you will suffer the consequences.”
‘Script was prepared under the supervision of Imran Khan’: Rana Sanuallah
Addressing a press conference on Tuesday, August 9, Interior Minister Rana Snaullah said, “The comments were according to the script prepared under the supervision of PTI Chairman Imran Khan which was carried forward by Fawad Chaudhry and Shahbaz Gill.”
Sanaullah went on to say that “hateful and seditious” remarks made by Gill were in line with the conspiracy in which a private news channel was also involved.
“Inquiry will be held regarding who are the people behind Gill and the private channel as no further investigation is needed on Gill’s statement,” he added.
The interior minister further alleged that the incident proves that the PTI was responsible for running a negative social media campaign on the tragic incident of an army helicopter crash in Balochistan.
