Dr. Yasmin Rashid in leaked audio urges President Alvi to play his part to resolve deteriorating situation outside Zaman Park
LAHORE, March 15 (SABAH): An alleged audio featuring Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leaders Dr. Yasmin Rashid and former interior minister Brigadier (retd) Ijaz Ahmed Shah has surfaced online.
In the leaked audio clip, both bigwigs of the PTI can purportedly be heard discussing the possible arrest of Imran Khan. It surfaced at a time when law enforcers and PTI workers have come face to face to block a bid to arrest him.
She purportedly conveys Khan’s message to Ijaz Shah, asking him to phone all the MNAs and MPAs to bring people to Zaman Park. The former interior minister replies: “We are doing it”.
Later, she can allegedly be heard stating that Imran Khan had directed all party leaders to bring people to Zaman Park otherwise, he would not issue tickets to them for next elections.
Meanwhile another audio leak, purportedly featuring Dr. Yasmin Rashid and President Dr. Arif Alvi surfaced regarding the ongoing police operation at Zaman Park.
The audio leak comes after police withdrew from outside Khan’s residence amid the worsening law and order situation in the city.
The police took action as per the court’s orders directing the authorities to present the former prime minister in the Toshakhana case. At least 54 police personnel were injured in clashes with the PTI workers during the operation that continued for more than 20 hours.
In the leaked audio — second of the day — a woman, believed to be Yasmin Rashid, could be heard allegedly telling President Alvi about the deteriorating situation outside Zaman Park.
During the phone call, Rashid purportedly asked the president to talk to someone as the situation is getting out of control and could lead to the deaths of several workers and policemen. “The party workers have started throwing Molotov cocktails and the situation is very bad. I need you to talk to someone before any bloodshed takes place,” she could be heard in the leaked audio.
Here is the transcript of the alleged conversation:
Rashid: Sir, the situation is very bad here.
Dr Alvi: Yes, absolutely.
Rashid: Our workers have started throwing Molotov cocktails. Before bloodshed takes place, I think you need to talk to someone and intervene.
Dr Alvi: I have talked.
Rashid: You should tell him that you will talk to him and try to sort… to Khan sahab.
Dr Alvi: I don’t understand what you’re saying.
Rashid: Sir, the situation right now is that people may die, some policemen will be killed. The situation will worsen so much that the elections will be postponed. This was our purpose.
Dr Alvi: Okay.
Rashid: I think what you need to do is, tell him [Khan sahab], that he should give in and fight another day. This is what I think and the rest is up to you. He will not give up. The Rangers are there. Molotov cocktails are being thrown and their water canon was also set ablaze. Also, I am sitting outside intentionally.
Dr Alvi: Ok, let me consult with Asad [Umar] as well.
Rashid: Asad told me that I should not do anything. He and I are sitting outside. It’s my opinion that you should also speak to Shah sahab [Shah Mahmood Qureshi]