Khawaja Asif Warns of Future Consequences if Accountability for May 9 and November 24 Uprisings is Not Pursued

Lahore: Defense Minister Khawaja Asif has warned that if accountability for the May 9 and November 24 uprisings is not pursued, it will open the door for future disruptions. Speaking in a private TV interview, the senior leader of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) said that Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) had staged rebellions against the state on both May 9 and November 26.
“If accountability is not carried out, it will pave the way for future upheavals,” said Khawaja Asif, adding that the episode of May 9 could have been settled earlier if the judiciary had not extended support to PTI. “Those who were to be acquitted were acquitted, and those who were to be punished were punished. Unfortunately, at that time, the judiciary became a party to the matter,” he stated.
The Minister also emphasized that PTI had previously called for investigations into the events, but in his opinion, ample evidence already exists. “The presence of PTI members in TV programs and other events is well-documented, so why do they now demand an inquiry?” he remarked. “PTI seeks the same judicial backing it received after May 9,” he added.
Responding to Imran Khan’s statement about stopping remittances from overseas Pakistanis, Khawaja Asif asserted that the loyalty of Pakistanis abroad would outweigh any such threats. He pointed out that more than 6.5 million Pakistanis live in Saudi Arabia and the UAE alone. “The loyalty of Pakistanis to their country will take precedence over Imran Khan’s statements,” he said.
Khawaja Asif also addressed the controversial remarks of PTI leader Ali Amin Gandapur, who had reportedly arrived in Islamabad armed. He stressed that Gandapur was not coming for a party function or a wedding. “I challenge anyone to try stopping remittances from overseas Pakistanis; it will not happen. These Pakistanis will continue sending money to support their families,” he added.