Khawaja Asif questions guarantees of respect in PTI talks

Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has questioned what guarantees would exist for mutual respect even if negotiations with Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) produced positive results.

In a statement on social media platform X, Asif criticised PTI workers and leadership over their conduct during recent political activities and protests.

He alleged that armed workers had taken to the streets while senior leaders were staying inside heavily protected, bomb-proof and bullet-proof official vehicles. He also accused the protesters of openly violating court orders and using helicopters and government resources.

The defence minister questioned the credibility of leaders who, in his view, did not stand alongside their workers during confrontational situations.

“If a leader is courageous and not involved in wrongdoing, he should stand shoulder to shoulder with the workers,” Asif said, while alleging that court orders and imposed conditions were being openly violated.

Asif also questioned whether any level of respect could be guaranteed if talks with PTI eventually succeeded.

He criticised PTI’s position on the National Action Plan, saying the plan had been agreed upon by all sides but that PTI had not accepted or respected it.

The minister also raised questions about the party’s response to security incidents, including drone attacks from Afghanistan and acts of terrorism.

He alleged that PTI had failed to strongly condemn attacks and violence in which members of the military, paramilitary forces and police were killed.

Asif further referred to PTI’s political rhetoric and historical references while criticising its confrontation with the government.