Pakistan: Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has warned that Imran Khan would receive no relief if the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) attempted to pressure the government through its planned long march. Speaking to Geo News at Parliament House in Islamabad, Asif rejected the possibility of accepting the party’s demands under pressure and accused PTI of aligning with the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).
Why Has Khawaja Asif Warned PTI Against Pressuring the Government?
Asif said the government would not be blackmailed through political protests, alleging that PTI had repeatedly mobilised demonstrations towards Islamabad. He described the planned long march as an attempt to force the government to accept the party’s demands and said no relief would be granted to Imran Khan under such pressure.
The defence minister urged PTI to engage in negotiations and return to its provincial responsibilities in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa rather than attempt to compel the government to accept its demands.
What Has Asif Alleged About PTI and the TTP?
Asif accused PTI of acting in concert with the TTP, alleging that the party had not adequately condemned the militant group or its alleged supporters in Afghanistan. He also claimed that militants were operating openly in several districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and questioned the provincial government’s authority in those areas.
The allegations were made by the defence minister during his interview with Geo News. He called on PTI to distance itself from militants and ensure that their financing was not supported.
What Did Asif Say About Negotiations and Imran Khan’s Relief?
Asif reiterated that the government would not accept demands made through threats or coercion. He urged PTI to come to the negotiating table and resolve its political differences through dialogue, while warning that attempts to pressure the government would not secure relief for Imran Khan.
Why Did Asif Call on Mahmood Khan Achakzai to Intervene?
The defence minister also referred to opposition leader Mahmood Khan Achakzai’s reported remarks about visiting former prime minister Nawaz Sharif’s residence in Murree. Asif acknowledged their longstanding political relationship and said he would ask Achakzai to play a role in addressing the current situation.
He urged political leaders to focus on Pakistan’s interests and work collectively against militancy, describing counterterrorism as a shared national responsibility.