ISLAMABAD: Senior leader of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), Asad Qaiser criticized federal ministers Khawaja Asif and Attaullah Tarar on Sunday for their accusations against PTI regarding an alleged smear campaign against the martyrs of the Pakistan Army and security forces.
Qaiser denounced what he termed as a "misleading propaganda" being spread against PTI by Asif and Tarar.
Speaking to journalists, Qaiser expressed regret over the misleading statements made by Khawaja Asif and Atta Tarar regarding the martyrs of the Pakistan Army.
Earlier, Information Minister Tarar had issued a warning against PTI's social media team, attributing to them the creation of accounts that attacked the Pakistan Army and the soldiers martyred in North Waziristan.
In a separate statement, Defence Minister Asif insinuated that individuals criticizing the martyrs may have connections with terrorists, although he did not directly name anyone. Qaiser retaliated against the federal ministers, asserting that PTI has always recognized and honored the sacrifices made by soldiers defending the country's borders.
Qaiser emphasized that those who exploit the martyrdom of soldiers for political motives are not serving the nation's interests. He reiterated PTI's respect for all soldiers protecting the nation and emphasized the party's pride in their service.
Meanwhile, PTI leader Barrister Saif condemned the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), accusing them of politicizing the martyrdom for their own gain. He reiterated PTI's patriotism and denied any involvement of the party in campaigns maligning the martyrs.
Responding to PTI's criticism, the defence minister took a dig at the party, suggesting that PTI has lost its identity and implying uncertainty about whether it is still PTI or the Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC).
