Murad Saeed planned protests and now hiding in KP CM’s House; alleges Information Minister
Pakistan’s Information Minister Attaullah Tarar has alleged that Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Murad Saeed is hiding at the Chief Minister’s House in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Speaking at a press conference in Islamabad, Tarar accused Saeed of orchestrating violent protests and coordinating trained groups to incite chaos.
The PTI protests, which began on November 24 as part of Imran Khan’s “final call” to demand the release of detained party members and restoration of democracy, saw thousands of supporters march to Islamabad despite roadblocks and internet disruptions. However, the demonstration was called off on the third day, marking the third time PTI halted a protest after reaching its intended destination.
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Tarar claimed that Saeed not only planned the protests but also encouraged groups to “drop bodies” during the demonstrations, undermining state authority. He accused Saeed of insisting on entering Islamabad’s Red Zone, disregarding an Islamabad High Court directive that banned rallies during the weekend due to the Belarusian president’s visit.
According to Tarar, the protests began violently, with demonstrators allegedly driving vehicles toward Rangers personnel to harm them. The information minister revealed that 45 firearms were recovered from protesters, and law enforcement agencies refrained from using live ammunition despite facing violence.
During the three-day protest, officials reported six deaths, including a police officer and three Rangers personnel. PTI, however, claimed that 12 of its supporters were killed in gunfire on the final day of the protest. Tarar denied these allegations, stating that hospital records confirmed no deaths from gunfire. He accused PTI of spreading fake videos and images, including linking incidents in Gaza and Palestine to the protests, to propagate misinformation.
The minister also pointed to intelligence reports suggesting that Afghan nationals and trained criminals participated in the demonstrations. He alleged that a 16-year-old Afghan boy was arrested from atop a protest container and stated that at least 37 Afghan nationals were involved in the march. Tarar questioned their relevance to PTI’s political agenda and criticized the use of armed individuals in protests, arguing it violates norms of a civilized society.
Furthermore, Tarar highlighted the financial impact of the protests, claiming daily losses of Rs192 billion, and accused the KP government of misusing its treasury to support such activities. He labeled the protests a political failure for PTI, asserting that their alleged plan to incite violence and use propaganda was thwarted.
The minister also addressed the ongoing terrorism in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, particularly in Kurram, accusing PTI of prioritizing political unrest over addressing critical security issues in the region.
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