Islamabad (The COW News Digital) Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has criticized the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leadership for crossing “red lines” in their comments against the military, warning that excessive criticism could weaken key state institutions.
Speaking in an interview, Asif emphasized that while his own party has previously voiced criticism of the armed forces, it has never overstepped established boundaries. “Our party has criticized the military in the past, but we never crossed the red line,” he said, contrasting his party’s approach with PTI’s actions.
He accused PTI leaders of failing to support ongoing anti-terrorism operations and not attending the funerals of security personnel killed in the line of duty. “If PTI members cannot contribute to the fight against terrorism, what does that tell you?” he asked.
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Asif also condemned PTI leaders for giving interviews to Indian media, stating that such actions encourage instability and invite challenges the nation now faces. He further criticized the party’s social media campaigns, questioning whether PTI has ever condemned online harassment or abusive behavior from its own ranks.
The Defence Minister specifically targeted former Prime Minister Imran Khan, accusing him of adopting a “do or die” approach to retain power, regardless of national interests. “One individual has become a threat to national security,” he warned, highlighting concerns over attempts to undermine key state institutions for political gain.
Analysts say Asif’s remarks reflect rising tensions between the government and PTI, especially regarding accountability and the role of social media in shaping political narratives. The Defence Minister’s comments also signal a broader effort to maintain institutional discipline while addressing public criticism of the military.
Khawaja Asif’s statements are likely to reignite debates over the balance between political expression and national security, with both domestic and international observers closely monitoring the evolving situation.
