Amir Muqam blasts PTI leaders for ‘misleading’ supporters

PESHAWAR: Federal Minister for Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit-Baltistan Amir Muqam Khan on Thursday criticised the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leadership for misleading its supporters, inciting violence and misusing government resources.

Speaking at a press conference here, he praised Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir for handling the situation in Islamabad with patience and restraint, preventing bloodshed. He also announced an all parties conference (APC) on December 5 at the Governor’s House to address the worsening situation in Kurram tribal district and urged all political leaders to participate in it.

Amir Muqam lambasted PTI for its role in the May 9 attacks, which targeted key state institutions, including the Corps Commander’s House, army stations, and radio stations. He claimed these actions were aimed at provoking a violent government response and lead to widespread casualties. “Their sole demand was for bloodshed, but we showed patience and thwarted their plans,” he remarked.

The minister expressed disappointment in PTI’s leaders, particularly Bushra Bibi and Ali Amin Gandapur, for misleading their workers while secretly arranging their own escape. “They abandoned the people they called to protest, tarnishing the image of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and its citizens,” he added.

About PTI’s preparation for the rally, Amir Muqam said that over 900,000 protesters were expected to attend the rally. However, the turnout fell drastically short, with only around 9,000 people present, he added.

Many participants were paid to attend the rally, he said, adding that 37 Afghan nationals had been identified among the protesters. “Investigations are ongoing, and this misuse of resources and foreign involvement is deeply condemnable,” he added.

Turning to the escalating crisis in Kurram district, Muqam criticized PTI’s negligence, recalling their 126-day protest in D-Chowk during a severe dengue outbreak in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. “Back then, Shehbaz Sharif, as Punjab’s chief minister, sent medical teams to help our province while PTI’s leadership ignored its responsibilities. Today, history repeats itself with Kurram burning and its leaders absent,” he remarked.

The PMLN leader revealed that he had held a detailed meeting with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi regarding the law-and-order situation in Kurram. As a result, the APC has been called to discuss solutions and facilitate dialogue between the affected factions. He also announced plans to visit Kohat to meet with representatives from both sides.

Responding to questions about Governor’s Rule in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Muqam emphasized that while no decision had been made, the provincial government’s inability to maintain law and order could lead to its imposition. “The mandate was given for development, not for misusing resources for political protests. If the situation doesn’t improve, we may have to consider this option,” he stated.

Amir Muqam called for registration of FIRs against PTI leaders responsible for misleading the public. “We will not allow anyone to harm Pakistan’s stability or misuse its resources for personal gains,” he asserted.