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BEIJING, CHINA – SEPTEMBER 08: Pakistan Foreign Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif speaks during a press conference with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi (not pictured) at Diaoyutai State Guesthouse on September 8, 2017 in Beijing, China. (Photo by Lintao Zhang/Getty Images)
SIALKOT(Manend News): Federal Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif has issued a stern warning stating that the government will not permit the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), to ‘disrupt the nation again’ by repeating incidents like May 9 or November 26. Khawaja Asif criticised the PTI for its ‘constant politics of protest and chaos, particularly when Pakistan’s honour is at stake’.
In a press conference held in Sialkot, Khawaja Asif highlighted the upcoming international event, the Champions Trophy, and condemned PTI for attempting to create turmoil during significant moments for the country. He pointed out that PTI’s disruptive tactics not only ‘tarnish Pakistan’s global image but also undermine national interests.’
“As the country prepares for major events, such as the Champions Trophy, PTI has once again resorted to protest politics. The party’s actions continue to harm the country’s standing on the international stage,” said Khawaja Asif.
He further accused PTI of attempting to create unrest during crucial moments, referencing to the opposition party’s actions during the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) conference.
Khawaja Asif also condemned PTI’s use of government machinery and resources for political rallies, particularly in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa. He stated that while rallies are a part of political discourse, PTI’s constant efforts to disrupt the peace and stability of the nation, including targeting Islamabad, should be stopped.
On the matter of the current protests, Khawaja Asif questioned PTI’s claims, saying that if most of their demands had been met, there was no justification for the protests. He reiterated the need for a peaceful and stable environment for the benefit of Pakistan’s interests.
The defence minister said that the former ruling party has once again announced protests amid the government’s efforts to steer the country out of the crisis. “We have no objection to peaceful gatherings, but their [PTI] protests always turn violent,” he said.
“There was a buzz that as soon as [US President] Donald Trump assumes office, Imran Khan will be out of jail…Trump came but nothing happened,” Asif said. He added if the US expressed its desire, its implementation “is not an obligation for the government”.
Pointing out the government’s achievements, Khawaja Asif said that the interest rate and inflation have significantly reduced during the past year.
He also noted that Pakistan International Airline’s (PIA) flights to Europe were restored after nearly four years. “The government is taking measures to control terrorism while Maryam Nawaz [Punjab chief minister] is giving away scholarships,” he added.
Referring to the May 9 events, the defence minister said that the PTI on that day crossed its limits. “A mutiny was carried out on May 9 and it is being dealt with,” he added.
In response to a question, the government also took action against smuggling and closed the routes, where such activities were being carried out.
“Protesters in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa were benefiting from the smuggling money,” he said, adding that all of them were not only “terrorists but also thieves”.
“These robbers and terrorists were looting our resources and taking our lives,” he said, adding that they were carrying out attacks because the government had blocked their means of earning unlawful income.