ISLAMABAD: Expressing concerns about a potential constitutional crisis, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif warned of a “constitutional meltdown” in Pakistan. He also mentioned increasing speculation that elections might be annulled by October. While he did not elaborate on the specifics, he clarified that he was not referring to a possible military takeover.
Asif emphasized the need for a political solution to the current turmoil, urging all parties to work towards a peaceful resolution. He made these startling disclosures in a TV talk show of Geo.
Pakistan’s Defense Minister Khawaja Asif has admitted that the PML-N government acted hastily in announcing a ban on the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI). He also noted that a constitutional crisis is looming.
Asif acknowledged that the decision was premature and emphasized the importance of consulting coalition partners.
The government’s unexpected announcement on Monday, which included plans to charge former Prime Minister Imran Khan, former President Arif Alvi, and ex-Deputy Speaker Qasim Suri with high treason under Article 6, has faced strong opposition from within and outside the ruling coalition. Even the PML-N’s key ally, the PPP, criticized the move as undemocratic.
Asif clarified that the government will now seek a broader consensus among its allies before taking any further action against the PTI. He stressed that the decision to ban the party will be made only after achieving a unified stance.
When asked about the perception that the government is facilitating a crackdown on Imran Khan, Asif denied the claim, asserting that the government’s actions are in the best interest of Pakistan.
Asif further accused the PTI of posing an existential threat to the country due to its behavior since being ousted from power. He claimed that the party is receiving significant support from the United States, both diplomatically and legislatively, through hired lobbyists who have secured backing from various US interest groups.
