Pakistan Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has launched a scathing attack on Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan, accusing the opposition party of pleading for assistance following the retirement of former army chief Qamar Javed Bajwa.
Speaking before the National Assembly, Asif claimed that the former Pakistani PM, Imran Khan has sought relief from various quarters, going so far as to hide in a car trunk to visit General (retd) Amjad Awan’s residence.
Asif, a senior leader of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), alleged that Khan had resorted to desperate measures and criticized him for “licking shoes” in a bid to gain support. These remarks were in response to PTI Secretary-General Omar Ayub Khan, who had condemned the federal government for presenting a budget he claimed was against national interests.
Asif also referenced Ayub’s past praise for PML-N leaders Nawaz and Shehbaz Sharif, contrasting it with his current support for Imran Khan. He further condemned PTI for writing to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to link funding to an audit of alleged election rigging, accusing the party of wanting the country to default after being ousted from power.
The PML-N leader extended a conditional welcome to PTI, stating that an apology for the May 9 riots following Imran Khan’s arrest would be necessary for reconciliation. Asif’s comments highlight the deep political divide and ongoing tensions between the ruling party and the opposition in Pakistan.
Comments