ISLAMABAD: A Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) spokesperson on Saturday strongly condemned the disappearance of Abdul Kareem, the party’s senior vice-president in Lahore, and a prominent candidate.
The spokesperson warned that the rights and safety of PTI workers and leaders were severely endangered by what he described as state-sponsored terrorism.
He accused the state of continuous atrocities and interference, labeling these actions as provocative attempts to incite public outrage. Despite this, he noted, PTI has maintained remarkable restraint to counter the destructive plots of those aiming to destabilise the nation.
He recalled recent incidents, including the enforced disappearances of relatives of Azhar Mashwani, a senior PTI social media team member, as examples of state impunity.
He criticised the judiciary for failing to hold accountable those responsible for these actions, including alleged complicit state agents and mandate thieves.
The spokesperson also criticised law enforcement and intelligence agencies, describing them as groups operating beyond legal boundaries.
He lamented the targeting of law-abiding citizens and urged the chief justice to address the severe persecution of political workers. Prominent individuals like Abdul Kareem, Professor Mazhar Mashwani, and Professor Zahoor Mashwani, he said, must be urgently released from illegal detention.
He also called for the protection and fair treatment of political workers like Sanam Javed and Aliya Hamza, who, despite being released on court orders, were immediately re-detained under new charges.
He issued a stern warning that PTI would initiate peaceful yet significant nationwide protests if the ongoing lawlessness and intimidation continue. “The party will actively mobilise its supporters to challenge the state’s oppressive actions and advocate for their rights,” he said.
