Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) top brass on Wednesday called for the formation of a judicial commission to investigate the brutal attack on party's spokesman Raoof Hasan.
In a press conference held in Islamabad, PTI leader Omar Ayub flanked by Raoof Hasan, Azam Swati and other leaders detailed the "horrific nature" of the attack, describing how a sharp instrument was used to cut Hasan's aorta and slash his face.
"Raoof narrowly escaped a major disaster, and the assault was clearly an attempt on his life," he added.
READ: Unidentified attackers stab PTI's Raoof Hasan in Islamabad
Ayub slated the police for what he described as a deliberately flawed First Information Report (FIR). He questioned why the attack, which he termed as terrorism, was not properly addressed in the FIR.
"There is no mention of terrorism in the FIR. If this isn't terrorism, what is it? They didn't rob him; they attacked him directly," Ayub asserted.
He suggested that the FIR was written under external pressure to downplay the severity of the incident.
PTI has demanded the establishment of a judicial commission to investigate the attack thoroughly. Ayub highlighted a letter from six judges regarding the involvement of agency personnel, expressing concern that such incidents could escalate if not addressed promptly.
He conveyed Imran Khan’s message that any attack on PTI leaders would trigger peaceful protests against the corrupt government.
Raoof terms incident as murder attempt
Raoof Hasan, speaking at the press conference, recounted the hardships faced by PTI over the past two years, including media suppression and institutional humiliation.
He lamented the unprecedented persecution of PTI members since Imran Khan's tenure.
"The people of Pakistan have repeatedly rejected dictatorship and supported democracy," Hasan stated. He accused certain individuals within institutions of attempting to destroy PTI’s leadership.
Hasan shared his personal ordeal, detailing a recent incident where he was followed, punched, and threatened. He expressed disappointment that despite clear evidence, including CCTV footage, the perpetrators have not been apprehended.
"The attackers aimed to slit my throat. While my physical wounds may heal, the damage to the state’s integrity is profound," Hasan declared.
He urged the nation to stand up for justice, warning that the state's future is at stake. Drawing parallels with the events of 1971, Hasan suggested that the current actions of certain groups within the state are leading the country towards a similar crisis.
"It's time for the entire nation to rise. This is a question of our state's future," he concluded.
