Khawaja Asif claims PTI cancelled rally over inability to achieve desired impact

Defence minister criticises appearance of PTI leader Azam Swati, posing as a false representative of the establishment

Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has alleged that the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) rally was cancelled because it was failing to achieve its intended impact.

Speaking to the media at his residence on Sunday, Asif claimed that if the rally had been successful, PTI founder Imran Khan would never have called it off, attributing the cancellation to PTI's inability to draw the expected crowds.

Asif also criticised the recent public appearance of PTI leader Azam Swati, who he claimed had been missing for an extended period but reappeared in jail early in the morning, posing as a false representative of the establishment.

"The discussions between Azam Swati and Imran Khan will eventually come to light. The establishment had no role in the cancellation of the rally," Asif asserted. He added that discussions in jails are not kept secret, citing the presence of 16 cameras in his own cell as evidence.

The defence minister expressed scepticism about PTI's narratives, suggesting that the party's rhetoric about being poisoned was unfounded and aimed at creating another crisis akin to the events of May 9. He accused PTI of promoting a narrative of rebellion against the state.

He also criticiced international media coverage of Pakistan, noting that 130 articles had appeared criticising the country, which he described as part of a Zionist agenda. He said these plans were designed to undermine and destroy Pakistan.

He further condemned the delay in justice for those involved in the May 9 events, noting that while similar cases in the UK are swiftly resolved, the accused in Pakistan have yet to face penalties even after 1.5 years.

Asif raised questions about the masterminds behind the May 9 incidents and the scriptwriters of the events, hinting that new revelations are emerging.

The defence minister concluded by affirming a strong defence of Pakistan's unity against external agendas. He criticiced certain PTI members, including Ali Amin Gandapur, for internal conflicts and corruption within the party, labelling the entire leadership from its founder to its current members as corrupt.