Islamabad – Minister for Planning, Development, and Special Initiatives, Ahsan Iqbal, referred to the May 9th attack on military installations by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) workers as an “unprecedentedly irrational” assault on Pakistan’s national interests. In an exclusive interview with APP, the minister expressed regret that symbols of Pakistan’s pride, including Jinnah House, Yadgar-e-Shuhada, fighter jets from the 1965 war, and the Chagai mountain model, were stormed and destroyed by the political party’s workers.
Iqbal compared the incident to the September 11th attacks in the United States, stating that it was equivalent for Pakistan’s armed forces. He criticized the PTI workers for attacking Pakistan’s heritage and the pride of the security departments, highlighting the significance of Jinnah House as not only the residence of a Corps Commander but also a heritage site representing the country’s founder.
The minister expressed dismay at the destruction of the statue of Captain Karnal Sher Khan Shaheed, a symbol of courage and bravery from the Kargil battlefield, recognized even by arch-rival India. He further emphasized that the destruction of the fighter jets from the 1965 war was an attack on the pride of the Pakistan Air Force, earned through their victory in aerial combat against the enemy.
Iqbal also lamented the setting on fire of the model of Chagai Mountain, which served as a reminder of Pakistan’s impregnable defense achieved through nuclear tests conducted by the country’s scientists.
He suggested a methodical scheme behind the targeted destruction of these symbols, all of which had a connection to national heritage or the armed forces’ pride.
Ahsan Iqbal, representing the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) in Parliament, stressed that such serious offenses could not be overlooked or forgiven by any country. He drew comparisons to legal actions taken against those involved in attacking the United States Capitol Hill and street riots in the United Kingdom, emphasizing the need for evidence-based legal proceedings against the perpetrators of these subversive activities.
The minister announced that those responsible for destruction in civilian areas would be prosecuted under civil law, while those who attacked military installations would face trial under the Army Act.
Iqbal expressed concern that the PTI’s actions were providing cause for celebration among Pakistan’s enemies, bringing sadness to the nation. He emphasized the necessity of taking firm legal action against those responsible for the attack on national heritage and the armed forces.