Khawaja Asif Says Differences With PPP Exist but Current Government Faces No Immediate Threat

Islamabad: Federal Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has acknowledged that differences exist between the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), but said there are no signs that the current governing arrangement is coming to an end.

Speaking to Geo News, Khawaja Asif said he fully endorses the recent remarks made by the Director General of Inter-Services Public Relations (DG ISPR). However, he noted that there was a difference between the statements of the DG ISPR and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, adding that the interior minister’s remarks also carried a political dimension.

He pointed out that Mohsin Naqvi has been associated with the current system for the past three and a half years.

The defence minister said that, under the present circumstances, the country’s stability depends on the success of the existing hybrid governance arrangement. He added that having served in various governments over the years, he accepts his share of responsibility for past governance.

Khawaja Asif also defended the performance of former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, asking whether he had not delivered during his previous terms in office.

Commenting on accountability, he said he would hold individuals—not institutions—responsible for past shortcomings, whether they belonged to the political leadership or the establishment of the time.

Referring to relations with the PPP, Khawaja Asif reiterated that while differences between the coalition partners do exist, he does not believe they indicate the collapse of the current system. He maintained that there are no visible signs suggesting the present government setup is likely to end anytime soon.