LAHORE , March 15, 2023: An alleged audio of the conversation between Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf Central Punjab President Dr Yasmin Rashid and President Dr Arif Alvi on Wednesday surfaced wherein both could be heard discussing the situation in Lahore ahead of elections in Punjab.
Both bigwigs exchanged thoughts on the ongoing clashes between the police and PTI protestors who were staging demonstrations outside PTI chief Imran Khan’s residence at Zaman Park amid fears of Mr Khan’s arrest.
Capital police, later flanked by Rangers, had reached the provincial capital to arrest Mr Khan in connection with the Toshakhana case. However, earlier today, the police called off its attempt to continue the siege as one of the PSL’s playoffs was scheduled at Lahore’s Gaddafi stadium today (Wednesday).
Below is the transcription of the alleged audio.
Transcript of alleged conversation
Ms Rashid: Sir, the situation is very bad here.
Dr Alvi: Yes, absolutely.
Ms Rashid: Our workers have started throwing Molotov cocktails. Before bloodshed takes place, I think you need to talk to someone and intervene.
Dr Alvi: I have talked.
Ms Rashid: You should tell him that you will talk to him [Mr Khan] and try to sort it.
Dr Alvi: I don’t understand what you’re saying.
Ms Rashid: Sir, the situation right now is that people may die, some policemen will be killed. The situation will worsen so much that the elections will be postponed. This was our purpose.
Dr Alvi: Okay.
Ms Rashid: I think what you need to do is, tell him [Khan sahab], that he should give in and fight another day. This is what I think and the rest is up to you. He will not give up. The Rangers are there. Molotov cocktails are being thrown and their water canon was also set ablaze. Also, I am sitting outside intentionally for the first time.
Dr Alvi: Ok, let me consult with Asad [Umar] as well.
Ms Rashid: Asad told me that I should not do anything. He and I are sitting outside. It’s my opinion that you should also speak to Shah sahab [Shah Mahmood Qureshi] as he is with Khan sahab.
Earlier in the day, an alleged audio leak of Ms Rashid with PTI leader Ijaz Shah had surfaced online wherein she was heard conveying Mr Khan’s message to Ijaz Shah, asking him to phone all the MNAs and MPAs to bring people to Zaman Park. The former interior minister repliedl, “We are doing it”.