Pakistan put down a coup on May 9, said Defence Minister Khawaja Asif on Thursday. He described the events followed by former prime minister Imran Khan’s arrest as a “watershed moment” for the country.

“Events of May 9, I think have warned us about many things… that were not about ever,” he said at Asma Shirazi show Faisla Aap Ka on Aaj News. “I would define it as a mutiny, which failed. I would say it was against the state.”

He was asked about the May 9 events followed by Khan’s arrest. In the wake of the paramilitary’s action, state buildings were attacked and properties were damaged. The coalition government has blamed the PTI for arson and considering banning the Khan-led party.

In response to the question of whether it was a coup against the chief of army staff, Asif said that he believes it was against the state of Pakistan. “If the target were Pakistan’s armed forces, I don’t think there is any difference between Pakistan’s armed forces and the state.”

The country has been in a state of war for the past several years, according to Asif. He went on to add that Pakistan “did not fall apart” because of the army. “It is not right to target the army.”

“When the army is in the government, one can disagree with the leadership of the army and their political interference can also be disagreed with. For the last year, the army has been distancing itself from politics, and the support of the army is there for the economy,” the defence minister said.

Asif alleged that Khan revolted on the basis of his popularity. During all the unrest he wanted to rule again, he said, adding: “The vindictive man has failed in his plan.”

He claimed that the events of May 9 were a “deliberate conspiracy” and alleged that the traces of the attack on state buildings were linked to a “foreign conspiracy”.

“We remember our martyrs even today, it is not right to challenge the status of martyrs, the blood of martyrs is included in the foundation of Pakistan,” he said and warned that the Army Act can be used against those responsible.

The appointment of the army chief was made controversial, the defence minister alleged and added that the ruling alliance was insisting on focusing on merit.

“There are records of telephone calls on the May 9 incident, nobody. Could not imagine that the installations were attacked, the base was attacked in Mianwali.

“Those who left PTI were brought by Jahangir Tareen, some people go around with CVs in their pockets and spread rumours, all national parties are included in the current government,” said Asif.