ISLAMABAD, March 13 (Alliance News): Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif has strongly criticized Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) for allegedly spreading misinformation about the Jaffar Express terrorist attack, accusing the party’s social media of distorting facts and undermining national unity.
Addressing the National Assembly, he lamented the loss of innocent lives and condemned PTI’s claim that terrorists had released hostages, rather than acknowledging the sacrifices of security forces.
The minister alleged that PTI-affiliated accounts, particularly those operated from abroad, were responsible for promoting a misleading narrative. Without naming individuals, he accused PTI leaders of fleeing the country while continuing to malign state institutions.
Khawaja Asif also pointed to PTI’s past support for military regimes, noting that many of its leaders had remained silent during General Pervez Musharraf’s rule.
He acknowledged that his own party had supported a military regime in the past but had publicly apologized for it.
He further criticized PTI’s alleged attempts to politicize terrorist incidents in Balochistan, sharing an emotional account of attending the funeral of a martyred officer.
He condemned the party for prioritizing politics over national security, stating that PTI leaders were willing to march on Islamabad for power but refused to stand for Pakistan’s integrity.
Expressing disappointment over PTI’s reluctance to recognize national progress, Khawaja Asif questioned why the opposition had not acknowledged economic stability or the sacrifices of the armed forces.
He urged all political leaders to put aside personal interests and work for Pakistan’s progress, emphasizing that accountability would ultimately come before God.
