Khawaja Asif warns PTI over Islamabad march

Defence Minister has criticised the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), accusing the party of failing to end what he described as years of alleged misgovernance in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Khawaja Asif said that the province had been under PTI rule for around 13 years, but the party was still not satisfied with its record. He alleged that PTI leaders were preparing to confront the federal government every other day instead of addressing issues within the province.

The defence minister said the PTI would also have to give an account of its 13-year governance in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. He questioned the party’s repeated plans to move towards Islamabad and criticised what he described as attempts to create confrontation with the federal government.

Referring to the historic attacks on the Somnath temple, Asif said, “Somnath was attacked 17 times. Count how many attacks have taken place and how many are left.”

He further said history explained why Somnath had been attacked repeatedly, but added that Islamabad was not Somnath. He advised those planning to come to the federal capital to “think carefully” before making such a move.

“You will not come to take something; you will leave after giving something,” the minister said, according to the remarks.

His comments came amid preparations by the PTI for its planned September 27 march towards Islamabad. The party has said its protest is linked to its political demands and the release of its founder, Imran Khan.

PTI leader Junaid Akbar had earlier used the reference to Somnath while talking about the party’s planned march, saying Islamabad would be turned into “Somnath” during the protest. The remark drew a strong response from government figures, including Khawaja Asif.