Remark on Abhinandan Varthaman: Pakistan Minister warns opposition of 'dangerous consequences' for fighting against state

He made the comment in response to Pakistan Muslim League-N (PML-N) leader Ayaz Sadiq's recent remark on  Indian Air Force Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman.

He said the stance taken by the opposition could hurt political forces in the country.

“I don’t get why Nawaz Sharif has launched Ayaz Sadiq — who was quiet in the last 2.5 years,” he was quoted as saying by The News International.

“This is all happening as per Nawaz and Maryam’s instructions.”

The Minister said his remarks saddened and hurt the armed forces.

Pakistan Army Chief Qamar Jawed Bajwa's legs were shaking when the country's Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi told the lawmakers in a meeting February last year that India would attack if Indian Air Force Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman was not released, Ayaz Sadiq of Pakistan Muslim League-N (PML-N) claimed during a speech in parliament.

“I remember Shah Mahmood Qureshi was in the meeting in which Imran Khan had refused to attend and Chief of Army Staff General Bajwa came into the room, his legs were shaking and he was perspiring. Foreign Minister said for God’s sake let Abhinandan go, India’s about to attack Pakistan at 9 PM," said Sadiq, reported Pakistan's Dunya News.

Soon after, Prime Minister Imran Khan had announced that Pakistan was releasing Wing Commander Abhinandan as a sign of “goodwill gesture”.

According to Dunya News, Sadiq said the opposition has supported Imran Khan's PTI-led government in everything including the release of Abhinandan, but won't anymore.

The IAF pilot was captured after his Mig 21 Bison was shot down during a dogfight with Pakistani fighter planes.  However, before his plane was shot, Abhinandan had brought down an F-16 of Pakistan air force.