Defense Minister Khawaja Asif Claims Ali Amin Gandapur Has Links with Establishment

Islamabad: Minister of Defense Khawaja Muhammad Asif has alleged that Ali Amin Gandapur, a prominent leader of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), has links with the country’s military establishment. Asif suggested that Gandapur’s political importance is tied to his connections with the establishment.
During a press conference in Islamabad, Khawaja Asif criticized PTI leaders for their recent actions, stating that they had resorted to “shameful and despicable” tactics in a desperate attempt to save their “sinking political ship.” He referenced PTI leader Bushra Bibi’s controversial remarks about Saudi Arabia, while also accusing her of selling a gift she had received from the Kingdom, despite Pakistan’s long-standing cultural, historical, and economic ties with Saudi Arabia.
Asif also criticized PTI’s leadership for their hypocrisy, claiming that members of the party were simultaneously projecting an image of religious piety while being involved in corruption. He referenced issues such as the “Tosha Khana” (gift repository) scandal, calling it the latest chapter in the party’s corruption saga.
The Defense Minister further mentioned infighting within the PTI, pointing to leadership struggles between key members. He claimed that the PTI leadership was morally and politically bankrupt, with factions led by “nands” and “bhabhis” (sisters-in-law) battling for control.
Asif also addressed the ongoing security situation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, where he accused PTI leaders, including the provincial chief minister, of shifting blame to the federal government instead of confronting growing violence and terrorism in the region. He expressed concern over the party’s shifting foreign policy stance, suggesting that the PTI was now accepting US influence, something it had previously opposed.
Responding to a journalist’s question about the possible links between Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Chief Minister and the military, Asif stated, “I too have been wondering about this. Considering his submissive behavior in the apex committee meeting, it is hard not to suspect his connection with the establishment.” He went on to claim that Gandapur’s importance stemmed from his relationship with the military, further fueling speculation about the involvement of the establishment in provincial politics.
Asif also dismissed claims that there were any ongoing negotiations with PTI, asserting that the party’s leadership did not want former Prime Minister Imran Khan to be released, as his freedom would jeopardize the prospects of other party leaders.