ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Secretary-General Asad Umar expressed agreement with the military’s suggestion that PTI chief Imran Khan should seek legal recourse instead of making “baseless allegations” against a senior military official.
Asad Umar’s statement came in response to the army’s strong reaction to the former prime minister’s “irresponsible and fabricated allegations” against a serving senior military officer.
In a statement, Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Director-General Major General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry said, “[The] PTI Chairman has levelled baseless and highly irresponsible allegations against a serving military officer without any evidence,” as Imran Khan continues his criticism of the establishment.
In support of the ISPR’s statement, Asad Umar took to Twitter and said that he “totally” agrees with the ISPR’s recommendation that legal action should be pursued to address the allegations.
Totally agree with ISPR that a legal recourse should be taken to resolve the allegations . Imran khan has tried to do that by filing an FIR and approaching the supreme court. The institution supporting that legal recourse would be a very positive step forward #BehindYouSkipper
— Asad Umar (@Asad_Umar) May 8, 2023
The PTI leader claimed that Imran Khan had already attempted to take legal action by filing an FIR and approaching the Supreme Court regarding the senior intelligence officer. However, no evidence has been provided to the authorities thus far, and all officials involved have denied the allegations.
ISPR asks PTI Chairman to make recourse to legal avenues
The military’s chief spokesperson further cautioned Imran Khan, stating, “We ask the concerned political leader to make recourse to legal avenues and stop levelling false allegations. The institution reserves the right to take legal action against patently false and malicious statements and propaganda.”
Umar added, “The institution supporting that legal recourse would be a very positive step forward.”
Prior to the army’s statement, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned Imran Khan’s criticism of the senior military officer. In response, Imran Khan criticized the prime minister.
As someone who has suffered 2 assassination attempts on his life in last few months, can I dare to ask SS the following Qs:
1. Have I, a citizen, the right to nominate those I feel were responsible for assassination attacks on me? Why was I denied my legal & Constitutional right pic.twitter.com/YWVHrizPoR— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) May 8, 2023
“As someone who has survived two assassination attempts on his life during the last few months, can I dare to ask Shehbaz Sharif the following questions: Do I, as a citizen, have the right to nominate those I believe were responsible for the assassination attempts on me? Why was I denied my constitutional and legal right to register an FIR?” Imran Khan tweeted.
