Minister for Defence Khawaja Muhammad Asif reaffirmed on Thursday that those responsible for the mayhem on May 9th would face the consequences, emphasizing the significance of upholding the honor of the nation’s martyrs and the pride of its 240 million citizens in their armed forces.
Speaking at a press conference, the minister condemned the attacks on military installations as acts of hostility against the nation. He underscored the relentless efforts of the armed forces and law enforcement agencies in safeguarding the country’s survival amidst the ongoing war on terror.
Accusing the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) of undermining state institutions for their own agenda, Asif alleged deliberate efforts by the PTI to tarnish the reputation of the army chief’s appointment process. He emphasized that the appointment of the army chief rested solely with the prime minister and had always been conducted impartially during the tenure of the PML-N government.
Highlighting PTI’s contradictory stance on various issues, the minister criticized the party’s leadership for advocating against subservience while engaging with foreign diplomats and lobbyists for their own interests. He also condemned PTI members of parliament for disrupting parliamentary proceedings to further their political motives, alleging their involvement in conspiracies against state institutions over the years.
Addressing concerns raised by the media, Asif stressed the importance of political parties engaging in dialogue while urging state institutions to remain apolitical. He challenged the PTI’s track record in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, asserting that despite their governance, the province failed to see substantial improvements.
