Jailed former prime minister Imran Khan wanted to subordinate the military to his party, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), Defence Minister Khawaja Asif alleged on Friday.
In a video statement broadcast on national television, Asif claimed that the PTI founder referred to the army chief, now Gen. (Retd) Bajwa as the “father of the nation.” He criticized Khan’s intentions, alleging that he sought to appoint former spymaster Lieutenant General (retd) Faiz Hameed as army chief to turn the military into a subsidiary of his party.
Asif, who has consistently been critical of Khan and his party, expressed skepticism about PTI’s willingness to engage in meaningful talks with the government. Negotiations between the opposition and the government were abruptly halted after PTI boycotted the fourth round, accusing the government of failing to meet their demands.
The defence minister also revisited last year’s May 9 riots, suggesting that the person responsible was “a product” of the establishment. This statement followed the military’s announcement that at least 25 suspects had been sentenced for their involvement in the unrest. Asif accused PTI supporters of carrying out attacks on national properties and desecrating memorials of martyrs during the May 9 and November 26 incidents, describing them as acts with “nefarious purposes.”
In his remarks, Asif highlighted Pakistan’s “exemplary” ties with the United Kingdom, noting that Chief of Army Staff General Syed Asim Munir’s ongoing visit underscored the importance of diplomatic, military, and economic relations between the two nations.
Asif also took aim at the PTI leadership’s shifting narrative, criticizing those who once praised the army chief but now speak against him. He further labeled Khan as a “proxy” for pro-Israel supporters, referencing claims about an international conspiracy against the PTI founder.
