Pakistan: Nawaz Sharif leader’s call for ‘beheading’ Imran faces backlash; PTI reiterates accusations of ‘oppression, manipulation’

Nawaz Sharif’s party leader’s comments went viral, sparking condemnation and underscoring the incendiary rhetoric in Pakistan’s political landscape following the disputed February 8 elections.

In one video, the date is news18 Unverifiable, PML-N’s Information Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb was heard saying that PTI chief founder Imran Khan and members of his party should be beheaded in 2014. “When the Chinese president arrives in Pakistan, this issue should be resolved at that time. His head should be beheaded,” the Pakistani media quoted the leader of the Muslim League-North as saying. ” express tribune.

“Let the world know”

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) responded strongly in a statement on its social media account and said: “Let the world know that Maryum Aurangzeb, information secretary of Nawaz Sharif-led Muslim League, has been featured on national television The channel called for the beheading of Imran Khan during a live broadcast.” This is not the first time that members of the Muslim League have openly advocated the murder of Imran Khan. “

“Imran Khan has evaded assassination multiple times since the conspiratorial regime change operation in April 2022 and has been unlawfully imprisoned for 196 days. Despite unprecedented state fascism, oppression and manipulation, Imran Khan The PTI-backed candidates won 180/266 National Assembly seats, securing a two-thirds majority, while the Muslim League won only 17 seats,” the party added.

Mariyum’s comments in the video were also condemned by prominent civil society members. Pakistani journalist Kamran Yusuf urged everyone to express their views and not resort to such inflammatory language. Social media commentator Imran Afzal Raja later called the PML-N a “party of terror”. The controversy comes as recent polls did not show anyone with a clear majority, but independent candidates backed by Khan won 92 of the 264 seats.

Khan has ruled out an alliance with the three major parties, meaning his candidates currently lack the numbers to form a government. Meanwhile, the PMN-L and PPP are negotiating on the number of people needed to form a federal government.