Defense Minister Khawaja Asif Criticizes PTI for Conditional Support on Terrorism Issue

Islamabad:Defense Minister Khawaja Asif criticized the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) for attaching conditions to its participation in the national effort against terrorism. Speaking on Geo News’ program *Aaj Shahzeb Khanzada Ke Saath*, Khawaja Asif stated that PTI had put a condition that the party’s founder should be released on parole before they would join the discussions.

He emphasized that the government is ready to engage in an All-Party Conference (APC) for a national consensus on terrorism but added that this should be unconditional. “This is a national issue, and PTI says ‘If Khan is not involved, then Pakistan will not be involved,’” he said, pointing out that such conditions show that PTI is fighting for personal and political interests rather than the nation’s welfare.

Khawaja Asif further highlighted that during the tenure of the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP), despite their leadership being in prison, they never imposed conditions on participating in national matters. He referenced the assassination of Benazir Bhutto, pointing out that despite her party suffering a great loss, they never set conditions for engaging in national issues.

He also criticized PTI’s stance, saying, “If PTI is already attaching conditions to sitting down for discussions, it reveals their intentions. PTI is fighting for the interests of one person and their party.” Khawaja Asif challenged PTI to show any statement from their leader condemning terrorism, particularly in light of the ongoing violence in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. He urged PTI to take a stand against terrorism and not just focus on personal gains.