Constable killed, 70 others injured by PTI protesters: Azma Bukhari

LAHORE: Punjab Information Minister Azma Bukhari on Monday accused Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) workers of violence that led to the death of a police constable and injuries to 70 others. 

Addressing a press conference in Lahore, Bukhari confirmed the death of constable Mubashir, who succumbed to his injuries shortly before the briefing. She said that five police officers remain in critical condition. 

“Police personnel were shot in the neck and legs by individuals from the so-called ‘Youth Force,’ brought in from outside,” Bukhari claimed.

She alleged that targeting heads and vital areas mirrored tactics used by the Taliban, stating, “Our youth aren’t so heartless as to attack their own police.” 

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Bukhari criticised the PTI for allegedly inciting violence and seeking a confrontation with the state. “Their agenda is to provoke the state to open fire and use the casualties for their own narrative. They were terrorists yesterday, and they remain terrorists today. The country cannot prosper under the leadership of PTI’s founder,” she said. 

The minister also accused the PTI of orchestrating another episode akin to the May 9 violence, calling it “9th May Part 2.” 

Referring to PTI leaders, Bukhari pointed out the absence of Ali Amin Gandapur from the protest rally saying Bushra Bibi is leading the rally and she addressed participants.

“No one can now say Bushra Bibi is merely a housewife. We welcome her to politics. Let her play openly; we will enjoy the competition,” she said. 

She said that the state has to exercise restraint despite the provocations, adding, “The state has to remain patient at all costs. We file FIRs, but they get released while chanting slogans. We cannot do anything?”

Web Desk