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Prime minister Imran Khan said on Wednesday that any challenge to the writ of state cannot and will not be tolerated by the government.
In a televised address to the nation, he said that no one should be allowed to misuse religious sentiments for their own personal political goals.
“Of course, my fellow Pakistanis, this comes with certain caveats,” he clarified. “This determination for the State to have a Monopoly Over Violence and for a respect for the law of the land applies to circumstances where a sincere party like the PTI is in power,” he said.
“Furthermore, the usage of religious sentiments are an acceptable part of a political party’s arsenal if it is headed by a leader like me. Otherwise, it is crass opportunism.”
“Furthermore, thought attacking state organisations like PTV and hanging out shalwars to dry on the Supreme Court’s walls are well and good, and so is hurling abuses at a sitting Chief Justice, but naming our army and its leadership is going too far,” he said.
“An army that has just successfully carried out an operation this July. And, yes, also against terrorism since 2004.”
“Furthermore, we can speak out against this lot if the above circumstances are not met,” he continued.
“But the Taliban, yes, well, that’s another matter. There, also we will have to exercise caution and avoid confronting. Or naming.”
