ISLAMABAD: Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has warned that Imran Khan would not receive relief if Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) tried to pressure the government through its ongoing long march.
Speaking to Geo News at Parliament House, Asif said the government would not yield to pressure and accused PTI of acting in concert with the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).
“PTI has declared war against Pakistan together with the TTP,” the defence minister alleged.
He described PTI’s expectation of pressuring the government through a long march as “wishful thinking”.
“The government cannot be blackmailed by them under any circumstances,” Asif said.
He also accused PTI of repeatedly attempting to “attack Islamabad” every few months.
Asif Questions PTI’s Position on TTP
The defence minister questioned PTI’s stance on the TTP and its alleged Afghan supporters.
“Show me a statement of theirs against the TTP or those who sponsor them,” he said, referring to the Afghan Taliban leadership.
“The rulers of Kabul are patrons of the TTP. Show me one statement of theirs against them,” he added.
Asif alleged that terrorists were being financed and operating openly in several districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
“Terrorists roam freely in different districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa,” he said, claiming that the provincial government had no writ in those areas.
“Isn’t the current chief minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa present there?” he asked.
The defence minister described the situation as a matter of “dishonesty against the country and Pakistan”.
He said alleged links and planning between the groups were becoming increasingly apparent.
Asif Rules Out Relief Under Pressure
Referring to previous remarks by a senior PTI leader about causing destruction in Islamabad, Asif said the statement reflected the party’s sentiments.
“If they resort to blackmail, I see no relief for [Imran Khan] in the future,” he said.
“The government will not give them any relief under pressure,” he added.
Asif urged PTI to return home after negotiations and focus on the affairs of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
“Come to the negotiating table and return home; take care of your province,” he said.
He also called on the party to stop supporting terrorists and cut off their financing.
“Forget that you will force us to accept your demands at gunpoint,” the defence minister said.
Asif Urges Achakzai to Play Role
The defence minister also referred to opposition leader Mahmood Khan Achakzai’s recent statement about visiting former prime minister Nawaz Sharif’s residence in Murree.
“Nawaz Sharif has an old relationship with him. Mahmood Khan is a second-generation political worker,” Asif said.
“I will certainly ask Mahmood Khan to play his role,” he added.
Asif urged Achakzai to focus on Pakistan and its integrity.
“Let everyone jointly fight the Afghanistan-sponsored terrorists,” the defence minister said.
