Defence minister heaps scorn on protesters

Defense Minister Khawaja Asif on Saturday said that ongoing sit-ins and protests were driven by personal interests rather than national welfare.

Talking to a private news channel, he said a party claimed to be on hunger strike but was not genuinely dedicated, often returning home after a few hours.

The defense minister also criticized the nature of the protests, describing them as symbolic and lacking people's support.

The minister said there is a broader conspiracy to destabilize Pakistan, particularly in terms of its economic progress, which he claims threatens both internal and external interests.