According to Asif, such conduct reveals a mindset that stands at odds with Pakistan’s interests.
Speaking to the media, the Defence Minister remarked that the DG ISPR had chosen his words carefully, but he himself had the liberty to respond firmly when provoked. Asif warned that if political leaders insist on using antagonistic tones, they should expect equally resolute replies.
Asif also questioned comments recently made by Imran Khan’s sister on Indian media, calling them inexplicable and detached from national sentiment. She is not a political figure, he said, but her remarks raise a simple question, does she feel any connection to the soil of this country?
The Defence Minister reminded reporters that during the India Pakistan confrontation, Pakistan’s friends and allies stood shoulder to shoulder with the nation, but, in his view, one major political party failed to play a responsible role. He added that the PTI founder had a habit of commenting on every issue, yet during the war, he still chose to target the military leadership and use inappropriate language when unity was most needed.
Asif argued that when a leader’s remarks offer no respect even to the martyrs, their credibility becomes questionable. ‘How,’ he asked, can someone claim to be Pakistani while undermining the very people who safeguard the country?
He emphasized that political activity, protests, and debate are all legitimate in a democracy, but they should never trample the dignity, identity, or sovereignty of Pakistan.
Reflecting on past political dynamics, Asif acknowledged that many parties, including his own, had criticized the military at times. ‘But,’ he noted, we never sided with militants, never defended terrorists, and never paid them tribute or protection money. Standing with Pakistan’s soldiers is a matter of principle, not convenience.
