Asif alleges PTI is amplifying anti-state narratives and paying extortion to militants.
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif on Thursday issued one of his most scathing assessments of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), accusing the party of adopting positions that “no political force in the country has ever dared to take,” particularly on issues touching national security, state authority, and relations with hostile groups.
Government Slams PTI for Narrative Manipulation
Asif claimed PTI is deeply involved in crafting targeted social media campaigns aimed at undermining national institutions. He alleged that certain PTI members are funneling extortion money to the Taliban, calling it a “dangerous compromise of national interest.”
The minister also pointed to a conversation between PTI founder Imran Khan’s sister and Indian media, terming it the “final nail in the coffin” that exposes what he described as widening contradictions in the party’s messaging.
Comparisons With PML-N and PPP
Drawing contrasts, Asif emphasised that Nawaz Sharif, despite being jailed multiple times and removed from office on three occasions, never criticized Pakistan’s “existence or integrity” during foreign interviews especially not with Indian media.
He added that the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) maintained its loyalty to state positions even after traumatic events, including the assassination of Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto.
“Whatever our disagreements with the establishment have been, we never crossed the red line,” Asif asserted, stressing that PTI’s actions were unprecedented.
May 9 Incident Revived in Political Debate
Linking recent developments to the May 9 violence, Asif argued that neither PML-N nor PPP has ever engaged in actions directly challenging state authority. In contrast, he said, PTI supporters “attacked symbols of the state,” crossing boundaries that should have remained untouched.
The defence minister also criticised the KP Chief Minister, accusing him of showing no meaningful initiative against terrorism despite the province being on the front line.
Analysts note that Asif’s remarks reflect the government’s broader strategy to frame PTI as a political outlier that undermines national security narratives. Critics, however, argue that such accusations especially those involving extortion or links to militants require transparent evidence to avoid further polarizing the political landscape.
The rhetoric also underscores escalating political temperatures, with both sides attempting to consolidate their supporters by invoking patriotism, institutional loyalty, and national security concerns.
While Asif claims PML-N and PPP have respected institutional boundaries, PTI counters that such narratives are attempts to silence dissent and deflect public attention from governance failures.
What happened?
Khawaja Asif accused PTI of crossing national red lines by manipulating narratives, making controversial statements, and engaging with hostile elements.
Why does it matter?
The remarks intensify the political confrontation and reshape public perceptions of PTI ahead of key political developments.
Where did this happen?
The statements were made during media interactions in Islamabad.
How does it affect Pakistan?
The allegations heighten political polarization, raise questions about national security narratives, and could influence voter sentiment.