On Tuesday, Defense Minister Khawaja Asif declared that no one is willing to trust Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan. While speaking on a private channel, Asif stated, “The PTI founder will remain in jail. If the new US administration pressures us on behalf of Imran Khan, we will handle it as we have in the past.”
Asif criticized Imran Khan for his conflicting statements. “When Imran was in power, he claimed to be running the country. Now, he says that Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa was in control during his tenure,” Asif remarked.
Regarding negotiations with PTI, the defense minister said, “Talks should conclude in a way that ensures trust in the PTI. I support the idea of negotiations.”
He highlighted the influence of the US on the International Monetary Fund (IMF). “Without US approval, the IMF cannot resolve our issues,” Asif added.
Khawaja Asif reaffirmed his allegiance to Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) President Nawaz Sharif. “Nawaz Sharif has always been and will remain my leader. Decisions in Punjab and at the federal level happen with his approval,” he emphasized.
Recalling the era of former president Pervez Musharraf, Asif revealed, “During Musharraf’s regime, the establishment wanted Nawaz Sharif to receive a death sentence. However, Musharraf decided against it.” He also alleged, “Raheel Sharif sought an extension as army chief, but Nawaz Sharif was not convinced.”
Speaking about the PTI’s 2014 sit-in, Asif claimed, “Gen Pasha and Gen Zaheerul Islam orchestrated the 2014 PTI protest. There is a need to establish a commission to investigate this from 2014 onward. We are prepared to form this commission if PTI agrees.”
Discussing PTI’s recent stance, Asif remarked, “The PTI once refused to engage with politicians. Now, they are willing to hold discussions with us.”
Asif also addressed Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Gen Asim Munir’s meeting with PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan. “The army chief informed Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif about the meeting with Barrister Gohar. He emphasized that political talks should be conducted only between politicians,” he said.
Barrister Gohar himself confirmed that no political discussions were held with the army chief, Asif noted.
