Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif has said that the current government operates under a "hybrid model," wherein both the armed forces and political leadership are working in tandem to address national challenges.
Speaking to the media in London, the minister acknowledged the military's coordination with the civilian government, noting that this collaboration was aimed at steering the country out of crises.
“There is a partnership between political parties and the establishment to take the country forward,” he said, adding that the previous PTI government was a “so-called hybrid” model in comparison.
The defence minister did not hold back in his criticism of the PTI leadership, particularly its incarcerated founder. “The founder left PTI in a quagmire. Everyone has seen what happened during their government,” he said.
“Now, the founder wants a deal after committing theft. Even if he apologises, power will not be returned to him. He has committed crimes against the state and will have to face consequences.”
Mr Asif further said that he had “lost his life to a group of hypocrites”, in a reference to his political battles with the PTI. “Thank God, that phase is over,” he remarked.
In response to questions about overseas Pakistanis, the minister endorsed the idea of holding Overseas Pakistanis Conventions in various countries, citing a record $4 billion in remittances in March as a testament to their support. He criticised those who publicly discouraged sending remittances, stating, “They have now learned their lesson.”
Commenting on former prime minister Nawaz Sharif’s health, Mr Asif said the PML-N supremo is currently undergoing treatment in London. “The purpose of his visit is purely medical. He has daily appointments, and I had a good personal meeting with him,” he shared.
On the issue of Balochistan, Mr Asif condemned the violence by banned outfits, particularly the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA). “If the BLA kills Pakistanis, it will have to pay the price,” he warned, while also stressing that the province's problems cannot be resolved through force. “The solution lies in politics, not guns.”
