Govt Plans Extradition of PTI Protesters Abroad with ‘Anti-State’ Agenda
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s legal adviser, Barrister Aqeel Malik, has stated that the government will seek the extradition of PTI protesters living abroad who are allegedly pursuing an “anti-state agenda.”
Tensions between the government and PTI have remained high for over a year, despite both sides initiating talks in December to ease political unrest. However, negotiations stalled over disagreements on forming judicial commissions and releasing PTI prisoners. PTI eventually boycotted further talks, leading to continued hostilities.
Speaking on DawnNewsTV’s Doosra Rukh, Malik confirmed that the interior ministry had contacted Interpol regarding PTI leader Shahbaz Gill and other individuals involved in such cases. He emphasized that the government would ensure the return of those who “aim to harm Pakistan from abroad” through extradition or repatriation, maintaining a zero-tolerance stance.
When asked specifically about PTI protesters, Malik stated that action would be taken against those promoting an “anti-state agenda” without evidence. He warned that such individuals were jeopardizing their position in Pakistan.
Punjab Information Minister Azma Bokhari also accused PTI of orchestrating protests during Army Chief Gen Asim Munir’s recent visit to London. She alleged that around 50 PTI supporters demonstrated in alignment with foreign agendas, though their calls had been largely ignored by overseas Pakistanis.
Meanwhile, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif reiterated that PTI’s political influence was diminishing due to its “violent tactics.” Additionally, Petroleum Minister Dr. Musadik Malik dismissed any possibility of negotiating leniency for PTI founder Imran Khan in the Al-Qadir Trust case, where he and his wife have been sentenced to 14 years in prison.
