Defense Minister Khawaja Asif on Monday expressed doubts over the sincerity of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) in the upcoming negotiations with the coalition government, questioning the party’s abrupt change in approach.
Speaking to a private news channel on Monday, he described the PTI’s push for dialogue as a “complete turnaround.” “I repeatedly ask what happened to the person (PTI founder Imran Khan) who did not want to shake our hands (and is now desperate for dialogue with the government),” he said. he added.
The remarks came after National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq formally convened a closed-door meeting between committees representing the government and the embattled PTI. Scheduled for January 2, 2025, the negotiations aim to defuse current political tensions in the country.
Asif reiterated his skepticism about the PTI’s motives. “I don’t see sincerity in the PTI leadership,” he remarked, adding that while he was not averse to negotiations, the ruling coalition should remain cautious.
Lashing out at the erstwhile ruling party, he said, “Look at their desperation, PTI wants to hold negotiations with the establishment through us. » In response to a question, he stressed that the government would not compromise on Pakistan’s nuclear and missile programs.
On Saturday, the defense minister had called for inclusive talks involving all centers of power, including the military, judiciary, politicians, media and bureaucracy, to resolve the country’s challenges.
“There is the army, the bureaucracy, the politicians, the judiciary and the media. These are the centers of power, and they must sit together to solve the problems of the country,” he said.
However, Asif warned the government’s negotiating team to remain vigilant, warning that PTI founder Imran Khan could try to “take advantage”.
During the talks, the PTI is expected to push for a judicial inquiry into the May 9 riots and the November 26 night crackdown, as well as the release of “political prisoners”.