ISLAMABAD: Defense Minister Khawaja Asif criticized the founder of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), saying he only thinks about personal interests and has no real agenda for party reconciliation or negotiations.
Speaking to a private TV channel, Khawaja Asif said that PTI has been showing mixed behavior recently, with some members promoting talks while others push confrontation. He added that the party is internally divided and cannot be counted among the country’s top five leaders in terms of unity.
“The PTI founder has no agenda for reconciliation or dialogue; he thinks only about himself,” Khawaja Asif said. He questioned who would set the agenda for negotiations and whether the founder’s family members would even provide guarantees for such efforts.
He further expressed doubt that PTI could make any progress in talks. Khawaja Asif also raised concerns about PTI’s confidence in Mahmood Achakzai regarding the founder, saying the reasons behind such trust should be questioned, as no guarantees have been offered by the founder himself.
The minister added that threats against the federal government over the past two years have increased political tension in the country.
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FIR lodged against PTI MPA over assault of traffic police officer
Meanwhile, Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) Member of the Provincial Assembly (MPA) Ali Shah Khan allegedly assaulted and publicly humiliated a traffic police officer in Khwazakhela Bazaar in Swat district. FIR has been lodged on the complaint of the traffic officer.
According to traffic officer Ezzat Ali, the incident occurred in the busy Khwazakhela Bazaar area, where a verbal exchange reportedly escalated into physical violence. The officer alleged that MPA Ali Shah Khan slapped him four times and then pushed him in public.
Traffic officer Ezzat Ali said the incident took place while he was performing his official duties. He termed the alleged assault an attack on the authority of law enforcement officials and said such behaviour undermined the rule of law.
Following the incident, the traffic officer formally approached senior police and administrative authorities, demanding that legal action be initiated against the accused. He stressed that no individual, regardless of political status, should be above the law.
The FIR was lodged under sections 506, 500, 186 and 353 against the PTI’s MPA, while further investigation is underway.
Police sources said they were gathering details of the incident and reviewing available evidence. An inquiry is expected to be conducted to establish the facts and determine further legal action.
The incident has triggered concern among traffic police personnel, who have called for protection and respect while carrying out their duties in public areas.
