Punjab Senior Minister Marriyam Aurangzeb has released a video alleging that Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) supporters were involved in violent incidents during past protests, and warned against a repeat of the unrest seen in 2014 and May 9, 2023. In a message accompanying the video posted on social media, Aurangzeb accused the chief minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa of repeatedly undermining the dignity of his office. She alleged that the group that dug graves at Islamabad’s D-Chowk in 2014 and attacked the Pakistan Television (PTV) and Radio Pakistan buildings was once again preparing to confront the state. Referring to slogans and threats allegedly made during previous protests, Aurangzeb accused PTI supporters of attacking police officers and called them a group of “hooligans” seeking to confront state institutions. She further alleged that protesters were preparing to target police and paramilitary forces, burn ambulances and throw petrol bombs at police. “No civilised country in the world allows groups to attack the state,” Aurangzeb said, describing PTI as a “foreign-funded” movement and alleging that it had repeatedly engaged in violence against the state. She also accused the party of using the cover of a political organisation while acting against Pakistan’s interests. Aurangzeb referred to the 2014 protests, the May 9, 2023 violence and the planned protests on September 27, saying the government would not allow a repeat of those events. She also alleged that the protests were aimed at damaging Pakistan’s diplomatic standing and disrupting businesses, employment, education and workers’ livelihoods. The allegations are part of a broader political dispute between the federal and Punjab governments and PTI, with the two sides repeatedly accusing each other of provoking violence and undermining state institutions.
