SIALKOT: Defense Minister Khawaja Asif on Sunday launched a scathing attack on Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) local leadership, contractors, and some bureaucrats, holding them responsible for what he called the destruction of his hometown Sialkot. He vowed never to forgive those involved “even till my grave.”
In a video message shared on social media, Asif said the voice featured in the clip was that of PTI leader Umar Farooq Meyer, who had highlighted the issues during the caretaker government and predicted years ago that the project would fail.
The minister said the project in question was launched in 2019 under PTI’s government. He claimed Meyer had already warned of its collapse and had even named Dar Brothers.
Asif further alleged that ZKB, the main contractor, held significant influence as both a parliamentary figure and a major contractor. He recalled his first meeting with the group in 2013 while serving as water and power minister.
Accusing PTI’s local leadership, ZKB contractors, and certain bureaucrats of collusion, Asif said they collectively ruined Sialkot and reaffirmed his resolve not to let them go unchallenged.
In another post, the minister mocked the situation, remarking that even floods appeared “selective,” sparing 200-year-old British-built bridges while sweeping away the “shoddy projects” of so-called patriotic contractors.
