ISLAMABAD: Defence Minister Khawaja Asif today rejected the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) claim that it was responsible for the murder of Group Captain of PAF Asim Tariq in Islamabad. He said the militant group’s attempt to claim responsibility was aimed at gaining publicity rather than presenting facts.
In a post on X, Asif responded to the TTP’s assertion that it had carried out the attack on the Pakistan Air Force officer. However, he strongly dismissed the claim and questioned the credibility of the group’s statements.
The minister said the tactics used by the militants had now been exposed. Moreover, he argued that the organization frequently makes false claims to attract attention and create fear. According to Asif, such statements should not be accepted without evidence.
Claims Meant Only for Publicity, Says Asif
Asif said the militant group could eventually begin claiming responsibility for ordinary crimes, including theft, robbery, and dacoity, despite having no connection to those incidents. Therefore, he urged the public to treat the organization’s claims with caution.
He added that the group’s objective was to take credit for events that had no basis in reality or morality. Furthermore, he said such propaganda was intended to mislead the public and exaggerate the group’s influence.
The minister reaffirmed that the government’s focus remains on countering terrorism and ensuring national security. Meanwhile, authorities continue investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of Group Captain Asim Tariq. Officials have not announced any findings linking the incident to the TTP.
The government’s rejection of the militant group’s claim underscores its position that terrorist organizations often use misinformation to gain attention and spread fear, while security agencies continue efforts to verify facts through official investigations.
