The PTI has pushed back against criticism of its party leadership and policies, terming such remarks “regrettable”.
In a statement posted on the social media platform X late on Tuesday, the party referred to the military spokesperson’s latest press conference.
It said that it was “regrettable” that the party, its leadership and an elected provincial government were subjected to such criticism.
The PTI maintained that consistent criticism “not only escalates political temperatures but also raises questions about the balance of the state apparatus”.
The party said that terming opposition to a military operation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, where it is in power, as support for terrorists was contrary to ground realities.
It recalled that a peace jirga was organised by the provincial government on Nov 12, 2025, where participants “unanimously resolved that a military operation is not a sustainable solution to any problem, and a comprehensive, consensus-based, and inclusive national policy is indispensable for lasting peace”.
It also took offence at the statement that terrorists do not target the PTI.
“This is completely contrary to ground realities,” it said, adding that raising such questions would only add to the grief of the martyrs, the injured and the affected families.
The party maintained that the impression the PTI was safe from terrorism reflected “a disregard for facts and is unfortunate”.
The PTI noted that several state departments in the past had issued threat alerts for party founder Imran Khan and other leaders on multiple occasions.
The party also objected to the “repeated targeting” of Imran, who it said was “not even allowed meetings and has not had an opportunity to respond to the allegations”.
“Publicly criticising a political leader who is unjustly imprisoned, who cannot exercise his fundamental right to defend himself, and whose voice is being deliberately suppressed is not appropriate in any way,” the PTI said.
It further stated that the images and speeches shown during the military spokesperson’s press briefing of “one province and one political party” were not “befitting of the country’s defence institution”.
“The PTI wants to make it clear that we are against terrorism, believe in the supremacy of the Constitution and are willing to cooperate with all state institutions within the framework of the law,” the party said.
It warned that “bringing political differences into press conferences will further stoke instability”.
“There should be no politics on serious national issues such as terrorism,” the PTI asserted, stating that “staying united was essential, rather than dividing the nation on an issue like terrorism”.
