Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has criticised Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa President Junaid Akbar over his remarks about the party’s planned September 27 protest in Islamabad.

In a post on social media, Asif responded to Akbar’s reference to Somnath during a speech in Peshawar.

Akbar had said the PTI would “turn Islamabad into Somnath” while warning the government against using force against protesters.

Asif said Islamabad represented the federation and was an important symbol of Pakistan. He also questioned the remarks in the context of ongoing violence in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Asif Says Government Will Defend Islamabad

The defence minister questioned whether the “attack” mentioned by Akbar in connection with September 27 would involve militants or Afghan nationals living in Pakistan.

Asif said the federal government would defend the capital.

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He also referred to the May 9, 2023 events and the November 26, 2024 clashes while commenting on the PTI leader’s remarks.

The minister said the statements would allow the public to form its own view about the intentions behind the planned protest.

Junaid Akbar Defends His Remarks

A day earlier, Akbar had warned the government against using force during the planned Islamabad march.

Speaking at a gathering in Peshawar, he said PTI workers had faced arrests and injuries during previous protests.

He also said the party would continue its mobilisation despite possible resistance from the authorities.

Akbar later defended his use of the Somnath reference, saying it had been given “a wrong spin”. He said he used the reference to indicate returning repeatedly and maintained that the PTI intended to remain peaceful.

The PTI has announced a nationwide protest for September 27, including a march towards Islamabad, with the party demanding the release of its founder Imran Khan and calling for what it describes as the supremacy of the Constitution.

Islamabad Court Issues Directions

The planned protest has also been the subject of proceedings before the Islamabad High Court.

In a detailed September 18 judgment, the court said activities that infringe citizens’ fundamental rights would violate the Constitution.

The court also said political parties could not lawfully block roads and highways. It directed provincial governments not to use public resources or funds to facilitate the Islamabad march.

The government has separately said it will take steps to prevent activities that violate court directions or disrupt public order.

The exchange between Asif and Akbar comes as political tensions rise ahead of the September 27 protest, with both the government and PTI publicly outlining their positions on the planned mobilisation.