Attack on GHQ included in Indian goals: Khawaja Asif

SIALKOT: Federal Minister for Defence Khawaja Asif on Sunday said that the attack on General Headquarters (GHQ) during the May 9 violent protests — motivated by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan’s arrest — was included in India’s anti-Pakistan objectives.

“Pakistan’s existence was attacked on May 9. A person [Imran Khan] made this attack just for the sake of his power,” Asif said while addressing Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz’s (PML-N) rally taken out to express solidarity with the armed forces, in Sialkot.

He regretted how the families and heirs of the martyred would have felt when a group of vandals attacked the sacred monuments. “I never doubt anyone’s loyalty but I doubt the intentions of those who led the attacks on May 9,” Asif said.

Earlier, the minister visited the Yadgar-e-Shuhada (martyrs monument) in Chawinda and laid a floral wreath on the graves of the martyrs before offering fatiha.

He said that they had visited the martyrs monument to remember their bravery in defeating Indian army

“I pay tribute to those who sacrificed [their lives] to defend the country,” Asif said.

He criticised without naming anyone that a political leader was targetting the armed forces of Pakistan in the current situation.

“They are including external elements in targeting the armed forces,” he said, urging the people to express their love for the army in its actual sense and discard the impression of what happened on May 9.

Asif said that the Pakistan Army was still standing firm like a mountain today, while the brave soldiers are laying their lives for the beloved country.

He said that there was a need to express solidarity in recognition of the sacrifices of Pakistan forces and to show unity among the nation.

“These people want to come into power again,” he added.