Pakistan’s existence was attacked on May 9: Khawaja Asif

SIALKOT, May 21 (SABAH): Federal Minister for Defence Khawaja Muhammad Asif on Sunday said that the attack on General Headquarters (GHQ) during the May 9 violent protests — motivated by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan’s arrest — was included in India’s anti-Pakistan objectives.

“Pakistan’s existence was attacked on May 9. A person [Imran Khan] made this attack just for the sake of his power,” Khawaja Asif said while addressing Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz’s (PML-N) rally taken out to express solidarity with the armed forces, in Sialkot.

He regretted how the families and heirs of the martyred would have felt when a group of vandals attacked the sacred monuments. “I never doubt anyone’s loyalty but I doubt the intentions of those who led the attacks on May 9,” Khawaja Asif said.

Earlier, the minister visited the Yadgar-e-Shuhada (martyrs monument) in Chawinda and laid a floral wreath on the graves of the martyrs before offering fatiha. He said that they had visited the martyrs monument to remember their bravery in defeating Indian army. “I pay tribute to those who sacrificed [their lives] to defend the country,” Khawaja Asif said.

He criticised without naming anyone that a political leader was targeting the armed forces of Pakistan in the current situation.

“They are including external elements in targeting the armed forces,” he said, urging the people to express their love for the army in its actual sense and discard the impression of what happened on May 9.

Khawaja Asif said that the Pakistan Army was still standing firm like a mountain today, while the brave soldiers are laying their lives for the beloved country.

He said that there was a need to express solidarity in recognition of the sacrifices of Pakistan forces and to show unity among the nation. “These people want to come into power again,” he added.

Moreover, Khawaja Asif reiterated that no new military courts are being established to try the planners, instigators, abettors and perpetrators involved in the May 9 mayhem, confirming that the trials will be held in the existing courts. “The evildoers who were spotted in the videos of attacks on military properties will be tried,” he added.

Khawaja Asif said law and courts already existed, adding that the cases against the violent elements would be tried in these courts.

Saying the government was not snatching the basic rights of anyone, the minister said cases would be pursued against those who had been identified through footage of attacks on military installations.

He termed the attacks on military installations an attack on integrity and existence of the country. He said attacks on airbase were conducted by an enemy not a patriot. The defence minister said he did not differentiate between the attack on GHQ, Lahore Corps Commander’s house, Mianwali airbase and the attack by arch-rival India on the Sialkot memorial.

He said those who attacked military installations will be treated as enemy of Pakistan and would be punished under the law. “I don’t doubt anyone’s patriotism but the May 9 attacks have raised questions on their intentions,” Khawaja Asif said.

He said the PTI leadership was targeting the institutions, adding that Imran Khan was also attempted to involve foreign countries in it.

The defence minister said people of Pakistan loved their armed forces, adding that the sacrifices rendered by the Pakistan Army were golden part of Pakistan’s history.