Defense Minister Khawaja Asif Criticizes Imran Khan, Claims PTI Leader Is Making Political Demands

Defense Minister Khawaja Asif has sharply criticized Imran Khan, labeling him a “pickpocket” and accusing the former prime minister of politicizing his legal troubles. Speaking to the media in Sialkot, Asif responded to Imran Khan’s recent claim that he would not participate in party meetings until he is released from jail. He dismissed Khan’s statement as a political move, questioning his demands while in custody.

Asif further boasted about the government’s economic achievements, saying, “Our government has reduced inflation and made the impossible possible. No one could have imagined that inflation in the country would drop to just 1.5%.” He also highlighted praise from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for Pakistan’s economic progress, countering claims from opposition leaders that the government had been criticized by the United States.

Discussing political differences, Khawaja Asif stated, “When politicians come together, solutions emerge. However, Imran Khan has made his release a condition for political dialogue.” He added that Pakistan is currently experiencing growth, citing the country’s stock exchange surpassing the 120,000-point mark, a new record.

Asif also commended the efforts of Maryam Nawaz in Punjab’s development and highlighted Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s decision to reduce electricity prices, providing relief to the public. He noted that major infrastructure projects, such as the Sialkot-Kharian Motorway, will be completed by June.

The defense minister praised the sacrifices of Pakistan’s armed forces, emphasizing their role in securing the nation amid ongoing terrorism threats in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan.

Finally, Khawaja Asif remarked on his own past experiences in prison, contrasting them with Imran Khan’s situation. “In the past, we were served food from the communal kitchen, but Imran Khan is allowed to choose his own meals,” he said. He also took a swipe at Imran Khan’s appeal to overseas Pakistanis to stop sending remittances, stating that the former PM’s attempts to disrupt the economy had failed.