Defense Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif has made striking comments about the current political landscape in Pakistan, focusing particularly on PTI leader Ali Amin Gandapur’s alleged connections with the establishment.
In a press conference in Islamabad, Asif sharply criticized the ongoing political turmoil within PTI, accusing its leadership of moral and religious bankruptcy. He pointed to the deep divisions within the party, particularly regarding infighting over inheritance, which has led to disputes among political factions and family members.
Asif also claimed that Bushra Bibi’s controversial statement was an attempt to salvage her waning political influence, especially following the Tosha Khana scandal and the involvement of figures like Usman Buzdar and Farah Gogi. He condemned her accusations against Saudi Arabia, calling them disgraceful, and noted her actions, such as mispricing a gift, as evidence of corruption within PTI.
Asif further mocked PTI members for criticizing Pakistan’s foreign policy while engaging in their own corrupt practices, mentioning that while inheritance legally belongs to children, some political figures’ children are being raised by Zionists. He accused the party’s leadership of prioritizing their political futures over the country’s interests, adding that certain individuals in PTI do not want their founding chairman, Imran Khan, to be released, fearing it would undermine their positions.
Addressing Ali Amin Gandapur, Asif reiterated his suspicions of Gandapur’s ties with the establishment, particularly following his subservient behavior during an Apex Committee meeting. He emphasized that as the Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gandapur’s role naturally keeps him connected with the establishment, and that his political importance stems from these connections. Asif pointed out that Gandapur’s position within PTI is shaped by his alignment with the establishment, unlike other leaders such as Barrister Gohar, who lack such associations.
Asif also raised alarms about the ongoing violence in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, criticizing the provincial chief minister for focusing more on attacking the federal government rather than addressing the escalating insecurity in the province. He alleged that PTI had brought 7,000 terrorists into the province and assured that the state would take necessary actions to combat terrorism in areas like Parachinar.
Concluding his remarks, Khawaja Asif stated that PTI’s leadership does not want Imran Khan to be released, as it would diminish the influence of other party leaders.