Rawalpindi's Mall Road became the latest flashpoint in Pakistan's volatile political landscape on Tuesday when security personnel shot dead a man accused of opening fire on them. The fallout, however, has shifted from the streets to the political arena, with the government squarely pointing fingers at the PTI leadership for allegedly fostering the violence. Main Developments Minister of State for Interior Tallal Chaudhry, addressing a press conference in Islamabad on Wednesday, asserted that the PTI cannot "absolve themselves of responsibility" for the incident. He argued that the party's rhetoric of "hatred and anarchy" had directly influenced the alleged assailant, who he claimed was an active PTI member from Khyber district, according to PTV News citing security sources. Chaudhry's remarks followed Information Minister Attaullah Tarar's condemnation of PTI's "politics of violence" after state media reported the shooting. The PTI, however, has distanced itself, denying any connection to terrorism and alleging a conspiracy to link the party to the event. Read also: 16 of 19 High Court Judges Sworn In After Presidential Nod The minister challenged the PTI's defense that the man was mentally unstable, questioning why he targeted security forces rather than his own family or party members. "Who trained the political workers? Who provided them with an ideology? Who filled their minds?" Chaudhry asked, pointing to the alleged shooter's possession of a PTI flag and incriminating mobile content. Background This incident is not isolated but part of a pattern, according to Chaudhry, who linked it to earlier episodes of violence, including the May 9 and Nov 26 events. He accused the PTI of using its founder's tweets, leaders' speeches, and internal discussions to fill young minds with hatred, leading to attacks on state institutions and even statues of martyrs. The PTI has a history of denial, with leaders often disavowing violent acts by their supporters while simultaneously defending them as "heroes," Chaudhry noted. He also criticized YouTubers, social media influencers, and foreign-based "opinion makers" for exploiting the youth for views and money, further stoking unrest. The government's stance is that this violence is a direct consequence of PTI's political strategy, which has been in place for years. Chaudhry recalled that the party had been repeatedly warned against perpetuating hatred, yet it continued, culminating in Tuesday's fatal shooting. Why It Matters The shooting underscores the escalating confrontational politics in Pakistan, where political parties increasingly resort to violence or are accused of doing so. For the PTI, the government's narrative could undermine its credibility and support, especially as it plans a long march to Islamabad on September 27. Chaudhry warned that Tuesday's incident was a preview of what might occur during the planned march, citing videos of the alleged assailant attacking police as evidence of a broader trend. He framed the attack as not just on a soldier but on the state itself, questioning whether such violence can be considered legitimate politics. The minister also challenged the PTI's governance record in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, where it has ruled for 17 years, asking what progress had been made. This political point aims to shift the narrative from victimhood to accountability, potentially swaying public opinion. What's Next Chaudhry confirmed that a "fair and free" investigation into the shooting is underway, with results to be made public. The government is likely to use the findings to further pressure the PTI, possibly leading to legal actions or increased scrutiny of the party's activities. The PTI's response remains to be seen, with the party likely to continue denying involvement and accusing the government of a witch hunt. The planned long march on September 27 could become a flashpoint, with the government warning of potential violence and the PTI vowing to proceed. As the investigation unfolds, the broader question of political accountability and the role of rhetoric in inciting violence will remain central to Pakistan's political discourse, with both sides digging in for a prolonged confrontation.