Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, speaking on the floor of the National Assembly, said: “When in politics words like killing and burning are used, when politicians say such words, their followers get licence […] that if they adopt this violent path, there won’t be any repercussions.

He said that politicians should realise that when they say such things, they sow seeds which will result in a “bitter harvest” for the nation.

“I believe today’s incident shows the deterioration in our politics,” he said. The minister also called for an end to using the state apparatus for settling political scores.

“Because if it persists, our words will fade away and only the noise of bullets and violence will be heard,” he said.

“We must not resort to violence because it undoes society.”