Reports suggest that Pakistan’s Defence Minister, Khawaja Asif, is reportedly concerned about the increasing political influence of Army Chief Asim Munir. Asif has recently sparked controversy by making three contentious statements against the government and senior leaders. His remarks have targeted Pakistani government officials and prominent figures within the PML-N. The situation escalated on Thursday when Khawaja Asif’s continued controversial statements led to a demand for his resignation from within the National Assembly by Pakistan’s Railway Minister, Hanif Abbasi. Abbasi stated that it would be better for Asif to resign from his post rather than make statements against the government. Khawaja Asif, a senior leader of the Pakistan Muslim League (N), has held a prominent position in Pakistani politics for approximately 40 years. He was appointed as the head of the defense department when Shehbaz Sharif’s government was formed, but now Asif appears to be sidelined. The Army Chief is now accompanying the Prime Minister on official visits instead of Asif.
Asif’s Controversial Statements:
1. Khawaja Asif has stated that a corrupt system is responsible for the floods. He alleges that Pakistani contractors have encroached on mountain land in collusion with the government, preventing proper drainage of floodwaters. Asif has also criticized Pakistani leaders who blame India for the floods. He stated that the water flow is not affected by any external factors and that India is not at fault. He attributed the issue to Pakistan’s weak infrastructure.
2. Khawaja Asif has also made harsh comments about Pakistan’s bureaucracy. He claimed that Pakistani officials are looting money and building houses in Portugal. The National Assembly has formed an investigation committee in response. Asif holds the system accountable for corruption, alleging that a system has been developed in Pakistan that prevents the curbing of corruption.
3. In another statement, the Defence Minister criticized Maryam Nawaz. Asif stated that the provincial governments are not functioning effectively. He was commenting on the floods in Punjab. In an interview, Asif even referred to the floods as a ‘blessing from Allah’. He urged people to store floodwater.