Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) stalwarts Asad Qaiser and Barrister Saif on Sunday vehemently refuted the allegations leveled by federal ministers Khawaja Asif and Ataullah Tarar, alleging that the PTI was involved in a defamatory campaign against Pakistan Army martyrs.
The controversy erupted when Information Minister Atta Tarar earlier threatened to take action against PTI’s social media team, holding them responsible for the disrespectful treatment of Pakistan Army soldiers who sacrificed their lives in North Waziristan recently.
Defense Minister Khawaja Asif, without directly naming individuals, suggested that those who accused the martyrs were linked to terrorist elements opposing the Pakistan Armed Forces on social media platforms.
Speaking to the media, Qaiser condemned the ministers’ claims as misleading propaganda and expressed deep regret over their attempts to involve PTI in such activities. However, PTI leaders strongly defended their party’s stand, saying that PTI consistently honors the sacrifices made by soldiers protecting the national borders.
Asad Qaiser stressed that politicizing the martyrdom of soldiers for personal gain is damaging to the interests of the nation and reiterated the party’s unwavering support to the armed forces.
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“PML-N Leaders Using Martyrs for Political Passage” Barrister Saif, another PTI leader, criticized the opposition Pakistan Muslim League (N) for allegedly exploiting martyrs for political gratification. He denied the PTI’s involvement in the offensive campaign against the martyrs and emphasized the PTI’s patriotic stance in times of adversity.
On the other hand, Information Minister Ata Tarar reiterated his condemnation of the social media smear campaign against the martyrs as he vowed to identify and prosecute the perpetrators.
He urged national unity and stressed the importance of respecting the sacrifices of the martyrs, saying such behavior was intolerable and required legal action. Tarar highlighted the presence of social media accounts operated from abroad and stressed the need for vigilance against such elements.
