Lahore:
Punjab Information Minister Uzma Bukhari has claimed that Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has prepared a plan to create fresh unrest on February 8, accusing the opposition party of pursuing a politics of agitation, incitement, and confrontation. Addressing a press conference in Lahore, Bukhari said that PTI has not distanced itself from what she described as violence and disorder, and alleged that the party continues to rely on provoking people rather than engaging in constructive political activity.

During the press conference, the provincial information minister strongly criticized PTI’s political strategy, stating that, in her view, the party “cannot step back from terrorism and chaos” and has built its politics around stirring public emotions and encouraging confrontation. She warned that the government and law enforcement agencies were closely monitoring the situation in view of the alleged plans for February 8, emphasizing that maintaining law and order remained the provincial government’s top priority.

Uzma Bukhari referred to the attack on Radio Pakistan and claimed that forensic reports related to the incident had examined both facial features and voice samples of individuals involved. According to her, the evidence pointed toward individuals associated with PTI, although she did not share specific details of the report during the press conference. She alleged that denying involvement in such incidents has been a “long-standing habit” of PTI leaders and workers whenever accusations are raised against them.

She further argued that the pattern of denial persisted even when visual and forensic evidence was available. “Not admitting their crime has always been a habit of PTI,” she said, adding that the party leadership, in her opinion, has consistently refused to accept responsibility for the actions of its supporters. Bukhari maintained that the state institutions had gathered sufficient material to identify those involved in attacks on state properties during past protests.

The Punjab information minister also referred to statements previously attributed to PTI’s founding leadership, recalling that party leaders had once claimed that if any member of their party was found involved in terrorism, they would apologize to the nation. “They used to say that if anyone from their party was involved in a terrorist incident, they would seek forgiveness from the nation,” she said. She questioned whether such accountability had been demonstrated after the release of video footage related to the violent incidents of May 9, which showed attacks on public and military installations.

Bukhari emphasized that videos from May 9 had already surfaced and were widely circulated, arguing that these visuals contradicted PTI’s repeated denials. She suggested that instead of distancing itself from violence, the party had attempted to justify or downplay the actions of its supporters. According to her, this approach had further polarized society and undermined democratic norms.

In her remarks, Uzma Bukhari also criticized PTI leader Suhail Afridi, alleging that he had traveled to Karachi and, “as per tradition,” behaved rudely with members of the media, contributing to what she described as an atmosphere of disorder and provocation. She accused him of attempting to incite unrest through confrontational behavior and inflammatory rhetoric.

Referring to symbolic and sensitive locations, Bukhari questioned whether those involved in violent acts had ever expressed remorse. She sarcastically asked whether Suhail Afridi had apologized for incidents such as the attack on Jinnah House, while visiting the mausoleum of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah. Her remarks were aimed at highlighting what she described as contradictions between PTI leaders’ public gestures and their alleged involvement in violent acts.

The provincial minister reiterated that the Punjab government would not allow any attempt to disrupt peace in the province. She said that law enforcement agencies were prepared to deal with any situation and that strict action would be taken against those found involved in violence, vandalism, or incitement. According to her, freedom of expression and peaceful protest were constitutional rights, but violence and destruction of public property could not be justified under any circumstances.

Uzma Bukhari also appealed to the public to remain vigilant and not fall prey to what she termed “provocative politics.” She urged citizens to differentiate between peaceful political activity and actions that could harm national stability and public safety. She stressed that political differences should be resolved through dialogue, parliament, and the ballot box rather than through street agitation and confrontation.

It is important to note that PTI has, in the past, rejected similar allegations and maintained that it believes in peaceful political struggle. The party has repeatedly denied involvement in violence and has accused the government of using such claims to suppress political opposition. As of now, PTI has not issued an immediate response to Uzma Bukhari’s latest statements regarding the alleged plans for February 8.

Political analysts believe that such statements reflect the continued tension between the government and the opposition ahead of key political dates. They note that allegations and counter-allegations have become a regular feature of Pakistan’s political discourse, often deepening polarization. Observers stress that transparency, due process, and adherence to the rule of law will be crucial in addressing allegations of unrest and ensuring political stability.