Since 2022, Pakistan’s federal and provincial government spokespersons have repeatedly characterized Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) street agitation as “unjustified protests” designed to spread chaos and undermine state stability. Their critique centers on timing, tactics, legality, and intent.
Allegations of Violence and “Orchestrated Bloodshed”
During the November 2024 D-Chowk protests, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and Information Minister Ataullah Tarar accused PTI of abandoning a prior agreement to demonstrate at Sangjani and instead entering Islamabad’s Red Zone. Naqvi alleged that Bushra Bibi was the “orchestrator” of violence, claiming “the state is being very patient and not giving in to the demands simply because Bushra Bibi planned this and wants bloodshed and bodies to pile up”. Tarar said the former PM’s wife was “sending children and labourers to the front lines” to throw tear gas at police. The government deployed the army under Article 245 with “shoot on sight” orders, stating forces “could have resorted to firing” but exercised restraint against those “vying for bloodshed to further their political agenda”.
“Terrorism” and “War Against the State” Narrative
Government ministers have equated PTI’s protest calls with terrorism. Punjab Information Minister Azma Bokhari called PTI “a terrorist party” that “seeks chaos, destruction, and bloodshed” and said it “has declared war against the state” and “will be treated as an enemy is treated in wartime”. Defence Minister Khawaja Asif said PTI protests “have always aimed at obstructing Pakistan’s progress” and warned the “full force of the state” would be used against those attacking the country’s integrity. PM Shehbaz Sharif condemned violence “under guise of protest,” saying the country “cannot afford any chaos and bloodshed for achieving vested political purposes”.
Timing: Sabotaging Diplomacy and Economy
Spokespersons argue PTI deliberately schedules protests during foreign visits. Azma Bokhari noted a protest call was issued as Pakistan prepared to host the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit, calling it an attempt to “undermine the country’s international standing”. She said “whenever the country starts to make progress, his disruptive party tries to obstruct it” and that “Pakistan is reestablishing its ties with the international community while those who seek to isolate Pakistan are resorting to the same old tactics”. Tarar said the November 2024 protest was a “conspiracy against the country’s peace and economic progress” and that PTI “did not only want to derail the economy but was also hell-bent on damaging the foreign relations of Pakistan with friendly countries”.
Misuse of Provincial Resources and “Politics of Hate”
The government accused PTI of using Khyber Pakhtunkhwa state machinery for agitation. Azma Bokhari criticized CM Ali Amin Gandapur for “storming Islamabad with cranes, lifters, government resources and employees,” asking whether political struggles involved such tactics. Tarar alleged PTI was using KP government resources, including teargas shells, and that “their entire leadership does not want this bloodshed, except for one secret hand behind them controlling every single thing”.
“No More Talks” and Legal Justification
After repeated protests, the federal government declared an end to dialogue. Naqvi announced a meeting chaired by the PM “categorically decided not to hold any more dialogues with the protesters”. Rana Sanaullah said PTI “wants to destabilise country through agitation”. Tarar argued that “the opposition can hold its protest on the floor of parliament” rather than on the streets.
International Reputation and “Anti-State Propaganda”
Following Imran Khan’s son raising his case at the UNHRC, Tarar said PTI’s attempts at “disrespecting the country’s dignity under the guise of political disagreement were unacceptable”. He recalled letters to the IMF in 2022 asking that Pakistan not be given a bailout, and attempts to cast doubt over Pakistan’s GSP+ status, calling it a party that “functions as a cult and engages in anti-state propaganda”. Energy Minister Khurram Dastgir called PTI “more dangerous for Pakistan than its arch-rival India”.