Defense Minister Khawaja Asif has accused the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) of seeking a National Reconciliation Ordinance (NRO) in a heated exchange during a National Assembly session on Monday.
Minister Asif claimed that PTI leaders are pressuring for relief from the establishment, with party member Raoof Hasan purportedly urging for an NRO.
In his remarks, Asif took a jibe at PTI for allegedly seeking concessions and lamented the party's refusal to engage in dialogue with political adversaries.
He posed a question regarding whether other political figures such as Mehmood Achakzai would negotiate with the military implying that PTI's demands are misplaced.
Khawaja Asif further stated that any discussions regarding the May 9 events—a reference to the violent clashes that took place—would be contingent upon a full accounting of the incident.
He sharply rebuked PTI members who, according to him, have repeatedly invoked past military support, noting that key military figures such as General Bajwa and Faiz Hameed are no longer in their positions.
Addressing PTI's approach to negotiation, Asif suggested that if the party is serious about dialogue, they should engage directly, otherwise they should resort to alternative measures.
His remarks were met with sharp criticism from PTI's Asad Qaiser, who labelled Asif's statements as disgraceful, given his senior age.
