Defence Minister Khawaja Asif on Saturday launched a scathing attack on former ISI chief Faiz Hameed and the founder of PTI, accusing them of masterminding the May 9 violence and vowing strict accountability for all conspirators.

Khawaja Asif addressed a press conference in Sialkot under heavy security, where he spoke at length about the events of May 9, 2023 and the forces he claimed were behind them.

He said the violence was not spontaneous but carefully organised with the sole objective of restoring the PTI founder to power.

Violence ‘organised for PTI founder’

The defence minister claimed that the May 9 events were deliberately organised for the PTI founder, calling it a direct attack on the state. He alleged that the Martyrs’ Memorial was insulted during the violence, while the same army had earlier raised Pakistan’s prestige with pride and sacrifice.

Khawaja Asif accused former ISI chief Faiz Hameed of being the “brain” behind the May 9 incidents.

He claimed that people from within state institutions were also involved in the planning and execution of what he described as a coordinated conspiracy.

Accountability across institutions

The minister warned that all individuals involved would be held accountable, regardless of their position or appearance.

“Whether they are in uniform or wearing Peshawari chappals, everyone will be brought to justice,” he said, adding that those hiding in the bureaucracy and other institutions would not be spared.

Khawaja Asif said that if the alleged alliance between Faiz Hameed and the PTI founder had continued, Pakistan would have been destroyed from within.

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He claimed the PTI founder was brought to power under the leadership and patronage of Faiz Hameed, calling it a grave threat to national stability.

Faiz Hameed to face multiple cases

The defence minister confirmed that Faiz Hameed would also be charged in the May 9 cases, along with other related matters. He stressed that the issue would not end with a few arrests and that Pakistan’s enemies would be pursued to their logical end.

Asif alleged that Faiz Hameed used the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) as a tool against political opponents.

He claimed he was personally summoned and asked to give a statement against Nawaz Sharif, with threats of punishment if he refused.

Speaking about past political accountability, Asif said it was ensured that Nawaz Sharif was punished in his case. He added that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif later steered Pakistan out of a difficult situation through governance and economic stabilisation.

Terrorism and security policy

The defence minister criticised those advocating negotiations with terrorists, saying such narratives amounted to appeasement. He alleged that bribes were given to terrorists, thousands of Taliban fighters were settled in Pakistan, and developments on the western border were being driven by India.

Referring to earlier comments by Speaker Ayaz Sadiq, Khawaja Asif said he was right to state that “legs were trembling” when key figures were caught.

He added that such reactions reflected the seriousness of the crimes committed.

Khawaja Asif concluded by warning that conspiracy elements were still trying to bring the PTI founder back to power.

He said if those hiding within institutions were not brought to justice, it would not be good for the country, and prayed that what he termed the “germs” spread by Faiz Hameed and the PTI founder were eradicated completely.