Defense Minister accused Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) of prioritizing its founder’s release over national unity in the fight against terrorism.
Speaking to a TV channel, Asif stated that the government is willing to engage in an all-party conference to address terrorism, but PTI has insisted on the release of its founder, Imran Khan, as a precondition.
Asif emphasized that terrorism is a national issue requiring unconditional cooperation, criticizing PTI for its stance that “if there is no Khan, there is no Pakistan.”
He argued that such conditions undermine the country’s interests, adding that PTI members appear to be focused on personal gains rather than national welfare.
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The Defense Minister also challenged PTI’s founder to publicly condemn terrorism, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, a region heavily affected by militant violence.
He noted that despite issuing numerous statements from jail, the PTI founder has not explicitly denounced terrorism.
Asif contrasted PTI’s approach with that of other political leaders, including Benazir Bhutto, who he said never set conditions on national issues despite being a victim of terrorism herself.
He concluded that PTI’s conditional participation reveals its lack of genuine commitment to combating terrorism.
