Pakistan’s Defence Minister Rules Out Talks With PTI Amid Rising Political Turmoil

Khawaja Asif criticizes PTI’s focus on Islamabad protests, urges attention to law and order in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

Islamabad [Pakistan], December 18: Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has categorically ruled out any negotiations with Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) under the current circumstances, citing calls for civil disobedience and attacks on the capital, as reported by ARY News.

“Negotiations cannot be held at gunpoint,” Asif said during a National Assembly session on Tuesday, emphasizing that Islamabad cannot tolerate such actions.

Asif Criticizes PTI’s Governance in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

Highlighting the ongoing political and social unrest in Pakistan, Asif referred to a recent incident in Parachinar that escalated from a land dispute to sectarian violence, resulting in significant loss of life.

“How can such a major incident occur in your province, and you remain inactive?” Asif questioned, directing his remarks at the PTI-led Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government.

He accused the provincial administration of neglecting its constitutional duty to maintain law and order, saying:
“While Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s government remained fixated on Islamabad, they ignored Parachinar.”

Asif further called on the PTI leadership to balance their attention between Islamabad protests and provincial governance. “You have every right to protest in Islamabad, but kindly also pay attention to your province,” he urged.

Call for Civil Discourse

The Defence Minister urged PTI leaders to adopt a moderate tone in their political discourse. “If you speak positively, I will respond positively. Hostility only invites hostility,” he stated.

Imran Khan’s Threat to Halt Remittances

The remarks come amidst a controversial statement by PTI founder Imran Khan, who recently threatened to call for halting remittances if his demands remain unmet.

Speaking outside Adiala Jail, Imran Khan’s sister Aleema Khan reiterated his demands for a judicial commission comprising three Supreme Court judges and the release of PTI workers detained after recent violent incidents.

“If these demands are not met, he will call for stopping remittances to Pakistan,” Aleema Khan warned, adding that overseas Pakistanis were frustrated with the economic mismanagement back home.