Remove Establishment from Politics
Former defense minister and PML-N leader Khawaja Asif asserted that divorcing the establishment from Pakistani politics could be achieved through dialogue among all parties, including institutions.
Khawaja Asif, speaking with Asma Shirazi on Faisla Aap Ka, stated, “It is possible in the future. We have to sit together to settle this matter, as Nawaz Sharif said in his address.”
However, he expressed doubts about the success of such dialogue, given the differing stances of political parties. Asif suggested that after the elections, when each party understands its worth, a dialogue should be initiated.
The PML-N leader also called on the judiciary to disengage from politics, citing an “overdose of politics” in the judicial system. He criticized decisions made in the past six or seven years, asserting that they were influenced by politics rather than adhering to the Constitution. He contended that the judiciary was among those responsible for Pakistan’s problems.
Regarding the Supreme Court’s verdict on civilians’ trials in military courts, Asif argued that it lacked genuine soul-searching on the part of the judiciary.
When questioned about the former PDM government’s failure to take action against alleged corruption by Khan, he defended the Sharif-led government’s focus on addressing the country’s economic issues, emphasizing their ability to defend their economic policies.
Asif also denied claims that Sharif received special treatment for his return to the country and securing relief from the courts, suggesting that nature was compensating him for the challenges he faced in his political career. Overall, Khawaja Asif suggests that uniting all parties and institutions could remove the establishment from Pakistani politics.
