ISLAMABAD – Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has alleged that a plan is being prepared to create unrest during the PTI’s upcoming long march. In a detailed post on X, the minister claimed that the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government was involved in the alleged plan and warned that some groups could use the demonstrations as a means to provoke violence.
Asif alleged that military and police installations could be targeted during the planned activities. He also claimed that security and intelligence agencies had received information about the alleged strategy. According to the minister, political rallies could potentially be used as a cover for creating disturbances and disrupting law and order.
While explaining his concerns, Asif referred to the violence that took place in Bannu in July 2024. He alleged that a faction associated with the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan carried out an attack on Bannu Cantonment, in which eight security personnel were killed.
The minister said a protest was held in Bannu four days after the attack, with political and nationalist groups also taking part. He claimed that the demonstration later turned violent when some protesters moved towards a cantonment supply depot.
Asif further alleged that protesters entered the area through a damaged section of the wall and that looting took place afterwards. He said the situation became more tense when security personnel attempted to stop the protesters. The minister cited the incident as an example of how a political demonstration could escalate into violence.
Drawing a connection to the upcoming PTI march, Asif alleged that similar unrest could occur during the planned demonstrations. He said the alleged activities could affect Khyber Pakhtunkhwa as well as other parts of Pakistan.
The defence minister’s comments came ahead of the PTI’s planned October 4 long march. However, the allegations regarding the alleged plan have not been independently established in the reference material, and no further evidence was provided in Asif’s post to substantiate the claims.
His warning also followed a Corps Commanders’ Conference, during which the military leadership discussed potential attempts to create unrest. According to a statement referenced by Asif, the military leadership warned against attempts to repeat a situation similar to the May 9 violence.
The statement said any such attempts would face a response under the law and stressed the importance of maintaining law and order. Authorities have not provided further details about the alleged plan mentioned by Asif.
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The situation remains closely linked to developments surrounding the planned PTI march. Further information is expected as authorities monitor the demonstrations and investigate any incidents that may occur.
