Asif calls PTI founder '200% opportunist'

ISLAMABAD:

Minister for Defence Khawaja Asif has said political negotiations are not part of PTI founder Imran Khan's DNA, as according to him, Imran is a person driven entirely by self-interest rather than principles.

Talking to X on Wednesday, he said the PTI founder has always prioritized personal gain over national interest, values and relationships.

"Negotiations are conducted on the basis of give and take, but Imran Khan is not a principled person; he is a 200 percent opportunist. From start to finish, he thinks only of his own interests. For personal gain, he can trample over principles and even human relationships," he said.

On Tuesday, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said his government "remains committed" to its "principled stance" of peaceful dialogue with all political parties for national development, prosperity and political harmony.

The PM made this statement while chairing a cabinet meeting days after an opposition alliance—the TTAP—issued its charter of demand after a two-day conference while also announcing "a wheel-jam and shutter-down "protest at the second anniversary of "highly rigged' Feb 8 elections.

Talking with reference to the PM's offer, Asif the PM is repeatedly inviting the PTI for negotiations and one hopes that positive and result-oriented talks may take place. However, he claimed, there is no room for negotiations in the political DNA of the PTI leadership

Separately talking to a private news channel, he said meaningful dialogue can only move forward if the PTI puts its own house in order.

The minister said dialogues are possible, including engagement with leaders of the TTAP. However, he said negotiations require seriousness, an open mind, and mutual respect rather than ultimatums. (WITH INPUT FROM APP)