Defence minister Khawaja Asif vows to counter PTI's Oct 15 protest

Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has announced that the government will deploy the full force of the state to counter the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) protest planned for October 15 at Islamabad's D-Chowk.

In a press conference held in the federal capital on Saturday, Khawaja Asif labelled PTI as agents of 'anti-Islamic forces,' stating that the party has never condemned terrorism, regardless of whether it occurs in Balochistan, Afghanistan, or Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa.

He accused the party of bringing thousands of terrorists into Pakistan during its time in power.

Khawaja Asif further stated that Imran Khan, the leader of PTI, was responsible for the country's downfall and suggested that the party's sole demand revolves around Imran Khan's leadership.

He claimed that there was no concern for the country or its development from PTI.

He highlighted recent positive developments in Pakistan, including a decrease in inflation, resumption of investment, and a Rs460 billion relief in electricity costs under Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's administration.

He said that PTI aims to obstruct this progress and claimed that the party only envisions a Pakistan where Imran remains in power.

He referenced Shandana Gulzar's statement that "without Khan, there is no Pakistan," suggesting that this is the mindset that fueled PTI's recent protest call.

Khawaja Asif also remarked on the duality of PTI's leadership, noting that when the establishment supports them, they refer to the army chief as their "father," but now, Imran Khan has tweeted against the army chief and the military from jail.

He furhter accused PTI of orchestrating a conspiracy that began with the 2014 protests, culminating in the events of May 9.

He expressed concern that they wish to undermine the country’s dignity and economic stability.

He stated that the state will deploy all necessary resources to prevent the protest on October 15, labelling it an attack on the country's integrity.

He urged the judiciary to take notice of Imran Khan's actions and their implications for national security.