Defense Minister Khawaja Asif has played down the anticipated release of former Prime Minister and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Founder Imran Khan, asserting that it does not pose a threat to the government.
In an interview with a British broadcaster, Asif expressed the government’s openness to dialogue but questioned the seriousness of PTI’s founder, Imran Khan.
Asif acknowledged the resurgence of terrorism in Pakistan, attributing it to the withdrawal of NATO and US forces from Afghanistan and the return of TTP fighters during Imran Khan’s administration.
He criticized the Afghan government for its failure to take action against the TTP.
Regarding Pakistan’s response to terrorism from Afghanistan, Asif defended the military operation “Azm-e-Istehkam” as necessary for maintaining law and order, arguing for a new strategy to combat recent terrorist activities.
He assured that the operation was not solely an initiative of the military but a collective responsibility.
Asif dismissed concerns about the operation being imposed on tribal areas without consultation, stating that all stakeholders, including political parties and tribal leaders, were informed through apex committee and cabinet meetings.
He confirmed Pakistan’s ongoing operations against Taliban hideouts in Afghanistan, emphasizing the protection of Pakistani citizens and Chinese investments.
Asif clarified that while there was no direct pressure from China to initiate the operation, Beijing sought assurance for the safety of its investments and nationals.
