ISLAMABAD; Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif on Wednesday clarified that the government has no intention of preventing the sons of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder from visiting Pakistan.
Speaking to a private news channel, Asif said, “Why would the government stop them from coming? They are welcome to visit Pakistan provided they meet the required conditions for entry and necessary permissions. I read in the media that their father himself has advised them not to come.”
He added that if the PTI founder’s sons wish to make their own decision, they are free to come. “Our only position is that PTI must avoid violence. Peaceful protest is a constitutional right, and they will be allowed to protest peacefully. However, if they intend to repeat events like those of May 9 or November 26, they won’t be permitted to do so,” Asif cautioned.
Turning to international issues, Asif criticized Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, claiming that “Modi’s political ship has sunk.” He added that Modi is now trying to salvage his image through empty rhetoric. “Whoever Modi wants to shake hands with refuses him, and those he wishes to embrace turn away. He has become an international embarrassment,” Asif remarked.
Commenting on the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, the defence minister said powerful nations have effectively imposed famine on the Palestinian people. “The way children in Gaza are dying of hunger is a stain on the conscience of humanity,” he lamented.
Asif noted that while many are dying in bombings, even more are succumbing to starvation. He welcomed recent recognition of the State of Palestine by countries like the UK and France, calling it a significant development. “The infamous declaration of 1921 was a conspiracy planned by the UK. Now is the time for Britain to make amends and support the Palestinian cause,” he concluded.
