ISLAMABAD: Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has accused the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) government of acting as an ally of terrorists, stating that any decision to launch an operation against militants rests with the federal cabinet.
During a talk show on a private news channel, Asif said that comments made by the DG ISPR in a recent press conference were entirely based on facts. He criticized the KP government’s approach to terrorism, saying that refusing to allow military operations is equivalent to supporting terrorists.
Asif further claimed that certain individuals in the KP government provide protection and support to the Taliban. He said, “The KP government has been held hostage by terrorists. Whether the enemy is India or militants, the response is the same.”
The Minister of Defence was adamant that the military of Pakistan would not let political interference get in its way, and they would continue to fight against terrorism no matter what. He mentioned that the authorities had already made all possible attempts to keep the area calm, like having direct communications with the Kabul administration, and were still willing to accept the mediation of the friendly nations.
Regarding internal politics, Asif warned that some PTI leaders may have “malicious intentions” in negotiations and stressed that no party should face a ban or governor rule, allowing PTI to maintain its identity.
Khawaja Asif: PTI fails to distance itself from anti-Pakistan narrative
Last month, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif stated that leaders of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) have not separated themselves from Pakistan rhetoric, calling it a scheme, against the nation that serves the interests of India and Afghanistan.
While addressing the media at the Parliament House, Khawaja Asif accused the PTI leadership of siding not with Pakistan but, with its enemies.
He mentioned that the problem extends beyond probes into the media profiles of PTI founder Imran Khan. “PTI has not declared any separation. Any story they wish to build stems from that account,” he remarked.
The Defence Minister also charged the account with sharing stories opposing the Pakistan Armed Forces and the judiciary. “Our forces have achieved a victory over India but this account keeps circulating anti-institutional messages,” he stated.
Khawaja Asif also referenced past controversies, asking if PTI leaders had forgotten the time when former Chief Justice Saqib Nisar and others allegedly mocked the Supreme Court.
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