Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) stalwarts Asad Qaiser and Barrister Saif vehemently refuted on Sunday accusations levelled by Federal Ministers Khawaja Asif and Ataullah Tarar, alleging PTI's involvement in a derogatory campaign against Pakistan Army's martyrs.
The controversy erupted when Information Minister Atta Tarar previously threatened action against PTI's social media team, holding them responsible for the disrespectful treatment of Pakistan Army soldiers who had recently sacrificed their lives in North Waziristan.
Read here: 7 soldiers martyred in North Waziristan terrorist attack
Defense Minister Khawaja Asif, without directly naming individuals, insinuated that those who denigrated the martyrs were linked to terrorist elements opposed to Pakistan's armed forces on social media platforms.
Qaiser, speaking to the media, denounced the ministers' claims as misleading propaganda, expressing deep regret over their attempts to implicate PTI in such activities.
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However, PTI leaders have strongly defended their party's stance, asserting that PTI has consistently honored the sacrifices made by soldiers safeguarding the nation's borders.
Asad Qaiser emphasized that politicizing the martyrdom of soldiers for personal gain is detrimental to the nation's interests, reiterating the party's unwavering support for the armed forces.
'PML-N leaders exploiting martyrs for political mileage'
Barrister Saif, another PTI leader, criticized the opposition Pakistan Muslim League (N) for allegedly exploiting martyrs for political mileage.
He denied PTI's involvement in the offensive campaign against the martyrs, emphasizing PTI's patriotic stance during times of adversity.
On the other hand, Information Minister Ata Tarar reiterated his condemnation of the disparaging social media campaign against the martyrs, vowing to identify and prosecute the perpetrators.
He urged national unity and emphasised the importance of respecting the sacrifices of the martyrs, stating that such behavior is intolerable and warrants legal action.
Tarar highlighted the presence of social media accounts operated from abroad and underscored the need for vigilance against such elements.