Adviser to the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa chief minister on Information Muhammad Ali Saif has claimed that federal ministers’ press conference suggested an intention to carry out operations under the “cover of darkness.”

“Eight bodies have already been transferred to hospitals. They are engaging in systematic sniping,” he said while appearing on Aaj News programme News Insight with Amir Zia via telephone link on Tuesday.

Thousands of protesting supporters of jailed former prime minister Imran Khan stormed the heavily guarded Islamabad, escalating their face-off with the government for his release.

At least five people, including three paramilitary soldiers, were killed during clashes between security forces and protesters, led by Khan’s wife, who made it all the way to the edge of the city’s highly fortified red zone, before being pushed back by hundreds of security force personnel.

The red zone, being guarded by army soldiers, houses the country’s most important offices and buildings, including the parliament and an enclave of foreign missions.

Saif expressed concerns that authorities believe fewer people would be present at night, making their operations easier.

When asked about the “hidden hand” he referred to, Saif stated that Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi should clarify that himself.

The PTI had announced its intention to reach D-Chowk from the very first day, he separately told Samaa News earlier in the evening. But following discussions with Khan, in which he participated, Saif mentioned that he advised against going to D-Chowk due to potential issues from the government.

He noted that with a court order in place, permission was being granted for Sangjani, to which Khan agreed. Saif emphasised that Khan does not support illegal actions in any matter, but complications arose later on.

Saif claimed that the government has openly declared its refusal to engage in negotiations. He pointed out that “Bushra Bibi insisted on going to D-Chowk, which led to the breakdown of talks.”

He emphasised that the doors for dialogue should always remain open. The PTI founder had spoken with Gandapur and suggested that the government should negotiate, Saif said and added that the PTI founder advised the KP chief minister to protest in Sangjani.

The KP CM’s adviser added that Khan’s wife seems to doubt that their message is being conveyed correctly, which he “believes needs to change.”

Also, read this

JUI-F senator thinks establishment ‘backing’ Imran Khan’s wife Bushra Bibi

Educational institutions will remain closed in Islamabad for third consecutive day

‘Look too scripted’: new debate begins on social media regarding PTI march

Saif alleged that Khan has been confined in a small cell for 36 hours without any opportunity for exercise or a walk. “If the government genuinely intends to negotiate, Khan could announce the end of the sit-in today,” he said and warned that if the government resorted to intimidation, neither the sit-in would conclude nor would dialogue commence.

He stressed that the lives of people are at stake, warning that if a crackdown occurs at night, the situation would become “even more complex”. Saif called for discussions to take place, asserting that the issue of Sangjani was resolved.