Pakistan’s Defence Minister, Khawaja Asif, has sharply criticised the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party for calling for protests on the days of crucial Champions Trophy matches, accusing them of attempting to isolate Pakistan on the cricket field.
In a statement posted on the social media platform X, Asif pointed out that PTI had requested permission for a rally in Lahore on 8th February, the same day as the first match of the series between Pakistan and New Zealand, part of the Champions Trophy preparations.
He further noted that PTI had also called for a long march on 19th February, the day of Pakistan's first Champions Trophy match.
Asif described these actions as an attempt to sabotage Pakistan's participation in the Champions Trophy, calling it an "anti-national" effort to disgrace the country on the international stage.
"This is an effort to strip Pakistan of its Champions Trophy matches," he said, adding that the motive was to embarrass the country in the sporting arena.
He also criticised PTI’s leader, Imran Khan, for seemingly putting his political ambitions ahead of national interests, adding that his actions were so extreme that even his supporters might not have anticipated them.
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