Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has said that the arson on May 9, which he claimed was done by PTI workers, followed a similar pattern in which “targets were identified beforehand”.

“And they came here and caused the destruction of these important locations. They tried to give this message that Pakistan’s institutions, memorials, residences and offices are vulnerable.

“You can expect this from an Indian, but not a Pakistani. But this was done and May 9 will be a witness to how a man sabotaged the country in his quest for power,” Asif added.

Editorial

Budget delay
Updated 04 Jun, 2026

Budget delay

With economic stabilisation yet to translate into tangible improvement in living standards, the country’s leaders are finding it increasingly difficult to ignore demands for relief.
Absentee lawmakers
04 Jun, 2026

Absentee lawmakers

TWENTY per cent. That is the percentage of lawmakers whose commitment to their vocation is reflected in the time ...
Deliberate provocations
Updated 04 Jun, 2026

Deliberate provocations

THE latest events at Al-Aqsa Mosque reflect the growing impunity with which extremist Israeli settlers operate. ...
Missing confidence
03 Jun, 2026

Missing confidence

For the government, the economy may be more stable now than it was three years ago, but for manufacturers and exporters, it is still difficult to do business.
GB elections
03 Jun, 2026

GB elections

THERE has been some heated politicking in the country’s scenic north in recent days, with Gilgit-Baltistan finally...
The Lebanon factor
03 Jun, 2026

The Lebanon factor

THE fragile calm that followed the recent US-Iran confrontation is being tested. Iran has made it clear that it does...