The True Post | Web News
Author: Amanullah
Federal Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has alleged that the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has planned to create unrest and violence through the upcoming long march.
According to Khawaja Asif, the provincial government has the full backing of its leadership and there are plans to involve elements linked to the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) during the protest.
In a statement posted on social media platform X, Khawaja Asif alleged that the long march could be used to create unrest similar to the events witnessed in Bannu in July 2024.
Khawaja Asif Cites Bannu Incident
Referring to the Bannu incident, the defence minister said that the Hafiz Gul Bahadur faction of the TTP had carried out a suicide attack on Bannu Cantonment at the time, in which eight military personnel were killed.
He also said that four days later, on July 19, a protest was held in Bannu that was attended by political and nationalist elements.
According to Khawaja Asif, a similar situation could potentially be created during the upcoming long march, with attempts to cause disorder during the protest.
Allegations of Unrest Near Security Installations
The defence minister alleged that plans could involve creating disorder near military or police installations during the long march.
He warned the PTI-led provincial government and organizers of the march against any attempt to attack state institutions or create violence similar to the events of May 9.
Khawaja Asif said that any unrest, violence or disorder near state installations would not be tolerated.
Reference to May 9 Violence
Khawaja Asif said the state would prevent any attempt to repeat the events of May 9.
He stressed that there is a clear distinction between political protest and violence or armed activity, arguing that political struggle should not be mixed with armed operations.
Political Struggle and Armed Insurgency
The defence minister said political struggle is a right that political parties may exercise, but alleged that any attempt to use political activity as a cover for armed insurgency in cooperation with the TTP would be treated as an attack on the country’s integrity.
He said the state would use all available resources to protect the country’s security and institutions.
Warning to Long March Organizers
Khawaja Asif specifically warned the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government and organizers of the long march against violent activities, attacks on state institutions or attempts to create disorder near military and police installations.
He said state institutions would take action against any activity that threatens public order or creates unrest in the country.
Political Tensions Increase
Political differences already exist between the federal government and the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government over the planned long march.
Khawaja Asif’s latest statement indicates that the federal government is taking the potential security implications of the protest seriously.
The defence minister again emphasized the distinction between peaceful political activity and armed action, saying that cooperation with an armed group to target state institutions could not be treated simply as political protest.
Government Response
Khawaja Asif said that if attempts are made during the long march to create violence similar to the May 9 events, target military or police installations, or initiate an armed insurgency, the state would fulfill its responsibility.
He said all available resources would be used to protect the country’s integrity and state institutions and to prevent any attempt to disrupt public order or create unrest.
