Defense Minister Khawaja Asif Warns PTI of Strong Government Response to Armed Protests
Islamabad:Minister of Defense Khawaja Asif has issued a stern warning ahead of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) protest scheduled for today, stating that if PTI arrives with armed groups and militias, the government will respond in kind. Speaking to a private TV channel, Khawaja Asif said, “If these people are coming with armed groups, the government will also deal with them accordingly.”
He accused PTI of attempting to politicize death and violence, claiming that the Punjab Chief Minister was allegedly planning to incite violence to cause casualties. “This should not be seen as the government’s weakness,” Asif added.
On the controversial remarks made by Bushra Bibi, the wife of PTI’s chairman Imran Khan, regarding Saudi Arabia, Khawaja Asif dismissed their impact on Pakistan’s foreign policy, stating that her actions had no bearing on national diplomacy. He further criticized Bushra Bibi, alleging that she had traveled to Saudi Arabia with the intention of collecting money for her daughter’s wedding, expecting gifts which she intended to sell. “Look at her past, check her CV, and see how she claims to be a proponent of Sharia,” Asif remarked.
The political climate in the twin cities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi is tense as PTI proceeds with its protest call. The government has taken measures to block major roads, public transport, and the Faiz Interchange in anticipation of the protest. Law enforcement agencies are on high alert to prevent any untoward incidents during the rally.
