KP government planning unrest through long march, says Khawaja Asif

Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has written on X that the provincial government has the full backing of its leadership. He said the long march is planned with cooperation from the TTP element. He said unrest is being planned along the lines of the Bannu incident of 15 July 2024.

Khawaja Asif said that in the Bannu incident the Gul Bahadur group of the TTP carried out a suicide attack on the cantonment. Eight soldiers were martyred. He said political and nationalist elements also took part in the Bannu protest of 19 July.

He said that during the long march, chaos is planned near military or police installations. He said it is a clear warning to the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf provincial government and the organisers of the long march that any attempt at violent action like 9 May will be strictly stopped.

Khawaja Asif said there is a clear difference between political struggle and armed rebellion. He said armed rebellion together with the TTP under the cover of political struggle will be considered an attack on the integrity of the country. He said all resources will be used to defend the state.