PTI, PAT damaging economy for political gains: Khawaja Asif

Defence minister says safeguarding national interest is the job of every politician

ISLAMABAD: Blaming Islamabad protesters for hindering 'economic revival' of Pakistan, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif on Friday said Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and Pakistan Awami Tehreek (PAT) have damaged the economy for political gains, Express News reported. 

Addressing a press conference in Islamabad, Asif said the economy has suffered losses of billions of dollars because of the protests.

Calling political leaders to play their role in nation-building, the defence minister emphasised that safeguarding national interest was the job of every politician.

PTI and PAT supporters have been protesting in the federal capital since August 14 against the current Pakistan Muslim League - Nawaz (PML-N) government. Until few days back, major areas of Islamabad were blocked with containers for security reasons due to which many businesses suffered great losses.

Chinese head of state had also postponed his trip to Pakistan reportedly due to these protests. The PML-N government had claimed this delay in visit has in result delayed many economic projects.