'Govt has no contact with PTI, nor are any negotiations ongoing': Khawaja Asif

Pakistan’s Defence Minister, Khawaja Muhammad Asif, has said that the government is not in contact with the opposition party Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), and that no negotiations are ongoing with them.

Speaking at a press conference in Islamabad, Khawaja Asif added that certain members within PTI do not want the party’s founder, Imran Khan, to be released from prison, Express News reported.

“There is no communication between the government and PTI, nor are there any negotiations taking place,” Asif stated, highlighting internal divisions within the party. “There is a rift between PTI members, with some wanting Imran Khan to remain in jail,” he added.

Khawaja Asif also criticised PTI for what he termed "hypocrisy," particularly in reference to a controversial incident involving the wife of Imran Khan, Bushra Bibi.

Khawaja Asif accused her of selling a gift that had been given by Saudi Arabia, calling the act “disgraceful” while also pointing out that Pakistan has significant religious, cultural, and economic ties with the kingdom.

“The statement made by Bushra Bibi about Saudi Arabia was unfortunate,” Khawaja Asif said.

"She sold the watch given by the same country that Pakistan shares strong historical ties with, including a large number of workers in Saudi Arabia and remittances sent from there."

The minister also mentioned that PTI is embroiled in a "family feud," with several party members, including three women, at odds with Bushra Bibi.

Khawaja Asif further said, "An audio of Peerni Sahiba is also available, in which she is scolding the staff regarding the movement of goods. The reality is that she took a gift, misquoted its value, and deposited a small amount into the national treasury. Those who make false claims about religion and faith have children raised by Zionists. The same people who criticise the Bhutto and Sharif families for political dynasties are themselves engaging in hereditary politics and fighting among the heirs. Never before has Pakistani politics sunk to such a low."

Khawaja Asif remarked that PTI’s leadership has shown a lack of moral and political integrity, and accused them of using divisive tactics to salvage their dwindling political standing.

Asif further criticised PTI for its approach to politics, accusing the party of hypocrisy on issues like corruption, and alleging that the party’s leadership has fallen into a "moral bankruptcy."

On the security front, Khawaja Asif condemned the ongoing violence in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, calling for the provincial government to tackle terrorism. He remarked on the provincial leadership’s tendency to target the federal government while ignoring its responsibilities towards local security.

Khawaja Asif also expressed concerns over the state of the country’s foreign policy, particularly with regard to the shifting allegiances of PTI members. “First, they rejected American influence, and now they are accepting it," he said, adding that some members of PTI would not be happy with the release of Imran Khan.