On May 14, 2023, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party called for a protest following the release of its leader, Imran Khan, on bail. However, the authorities are yet to release the full details of a high-level probe involving close to a dozen intelligence agencies that uncovered a plan allegedly approved by Khan to storm military buildings, bases, and officer houses after his expected arrest. The plan was reportedly based on ignoring court hearings in corruption cases that would naturally result in arrest, which would then be used to divert national attention against the military, which has refused to help Khan become PM as it did in 2018.
The plot links key aides of Imran Khan in his PTI party to planning attacks on military installations, which could emerge as the first plan of its kind to engage the Pakistan Army in a civil war-type conflict by a political party. A look at the list of military and government buildings selectively targeted by PTI mobs under instructions from Khan and senior party officeholders shows a pre-planned attack. The list includes the ECP office in Peshawar and Lahore, Radio Pakistan Peshawar, Core Commander house in Lahore, Askari Towers Lahore, GHQ Rawalpindi, FC barracks Mardan, FC Fort Chakdara, FC school Dir, Military barracks Mardan, PAF martyrs monument Sargodha, PAF base Mianwali, PMLN office Lahore, PM’s private residence Lahore, Kalma Chowk Lahore, Audi showroom Lahore, Metro station Rawalpindi, Motorway Interchange Swat, Services hospital Lahore, SP office Industrial area Islamabad, and the livestock market Chargano Chowk Peshawar.
Despite these allegations, PTI should still not be banned. The party represents a significant number of Pakistani citizens and has the right to express its views and concerns through peaceful protests and demonstrations. Moreover, banning PTI could further polarize the country and lead to more violence. Instead, the authorities should conduct a transparent and fair investigation into the alleged plan and take appropriate legal action against those found guilty. It is also essential to ensure that the military and government buildings are adequately secured to prevent any future attacks.
