The political climate in Pakistan is witnessing increased scrutiny as Defence Minister Khawaja Asif is reportedly concerned about the expanding political influence of Army Chief Asim Munir. This is following three controversial statements made by Asif. These statements have caused a significant stir in the political arena. They have been directed at Pakistani government officials and key figures within the PML-N. The situation intensified on Thursday when Railway Minister Hanif Abbasi demanded Asif’s resignation in the National Assembly due to the ongoing controversial statements. Abbasi indicated that it would be preferable for Asif to resign rather than continue making such statements. Khawaja Asif, a senior leader of the Pakistan Muslim League (N), has been a central figure in Pakistani politics for approximately 40 years. He was appointed as the head of the defense department when Shehbaz Sharif’s government took office. However, his role has diminished recently, with the Army Chief now accompanying the Prime Minister on official engagements.
Asif’s Controversial Statements:
1. Khawaja Asif attributed the floods to a corrupt system. He asserted that Pakistani contractors, in collaboration with the government, had illegally occupied land. He criticized those who blamed India for the floods, saying that it was a problem of infrastructure within Pakistan.
2. He also made critical remarks about the Pakistani bureaucracy, alleging that officials were embezzling funds to build homes in Portugal. This led to the National Assembly forming an investigation committee. Asif blamed the current system for facilitating corruption.
3. The Defence Minister also criticized Maryam Nawaz, claiming the provincial governments were failing. In an interview, he also described the floods as a ‘blessing from Allah’ and asked people to store the floodwater.