Pakistan’s Defence Minister Criticizes Imran Khan for Contradictory Statements and Calls for Inclusive Negotiations
Islamabad [Pakistan], December 29: Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has launched a sharp critique against former Prime Minister Imran Khan, accusing him of seeking foreign intervention from the United States, despite his past rhetoric rejecting such involvement.
According to a report by ARY News, Asif remarked, “Imran Khan is the first politician to beg for America’s assistance. He once said, ‘Slavery is unacceptable,’ and now says, ‘Slavery should be immediately accepted.'”
Allegations of Contradictions and Loyalty
Asif questioned Khan’s loyalty and consistency, stating, “This person has a history. Someone tell me, to whom has he been loyal? Not even his own party members can name anyone he has been loyal to.”
He also expressed skepticism over PTI’s sudden willingness to engage in dialogue, asking, “What happened in the last 15 days that PTI agreed to talk? Was it a charm or a spell that made them change their mind?”
Call for Inclusive Negotiations
Stressing the importance of involving all key stakeholders in political negotiations, Asif highlighted that meaningful dialogue requires participation from all power centres to ensure fairness and inclusivity. Despite political rivalry with the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), Asif reiterated respect for the Charter of Democracy and emphasized its relevance in guiding political stability.
“Negotiations with PTI must involve all power centres to ensure balanced discussions and lasting solutions,” Asif said.
Rana Sanaullah’s Call for Unity
Earlier, Rana Sanaullah, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Political Affairs, also weighed in on the political tensions. He urged Imran Khan, Nawaz Sharif, and Asif Ali Zardari to come together to address Pakistan’s challenges collaboratively.
Sanaullah emphasized that national problems can only be resolved through constructive dialogue. He praised the PML-N’s role in stabilizing the economy, even at the cost of political setbacks.
“The PML-N took difficult steps to prevent the country from defaulting, despite political consequences,” he noted.
Conclusion
The escalating political war of wrds reflects deep divisions in Pakistan’s political landscape, with accusations and counter-accusations dominating public discourse. As calls for inclusive negotiations grow louder, the focus now shifts to whether Pakistan’s political leadership can rise above differences to prioritize national interests over partisan gains.