Khawaja Asif Slams Opposition’s Comments on National Institutions

Islamabad: Defense Minister Khawaja Asif, while addressing the House, stated that Pakistan is currently in a state of war. He highlighted that terrorists have carried out targeted attacks across Balochistan and noted that the country has endured over 3,000 martyrdoms in the last five years. He expressed deep regret that even mosques in the country are not safe from such violence.

The Defense Minister strongly condemned the opposition leader’s recent remarks regarding the Pakistan Army, labeling them as highly irresponsible. “One may have differing opinions, but one should not attack the feelings of others,” he remarked, adding that he was personally hurt by the opposition’s stance on national institutions. He clarified that the Pakistan Army is a truly national institution, representing every province; specifically, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa accounts for 16% and Sindh for 20% of the force’s personnel.

“This is not an army of just four districts; it is the army of the entire Pakistan,” Asif asserted. He took a swipe at political opportunism, noting that while many individuals have changed political parties half a dozen times, the martyrs never changed their loyalty to the state. He criticized the current political climate as a “war of power deprivation,” observing that over the last 70 years, those who lost power have often fought against the system rather than for the country.

Regarding the situation in Balochistan, the Defense Minister pointed out a harrowing trend where Punjabis and poor laborers are being identified by their ID cards and shot. He lamented that no voices are being raised from within Balochistan against these specific killings. In his concluding remarks, he urged the House to unite and collectively raise a voice of support for the armed forces as they continue to fight the war against terrorism.