Defence Minister Khawaja Asif said on Satuday that the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) reserves the right to pursue legal action over a report published by The Economist.

Expressing his thoughts on Samaa TV programme "Do Tok with Kiran Naz", he alleged that Bushra Bibi, the wife of former prime minister Imran Khan, was controlling the PTI. Asif questioned which clause of the 27th Amendment is influencing the judiciary, emphasising that the Judicial Commission will continue to appoint judges.

The defence minister said the Constitutional Court has been separated, as is the practice in numerous countries. He added that judges of one court will not hear cases of another, and stressed that judges are exchanged worldwide as a normal practice.

Asif criticised the judiciary during the tenure of former prime minister Nawaz Sharif, adding that the Supreme Court bench had removed Nawaz from office.

The federal minister said that the judges receive full salaries and pensions, and that most wait to complete their terms. He said that the judges who wish to resign are aware that transfers will follow. He contrasted this with politicians, adding that retiring from politics brings no pension.

Regarding PTI founder Imran Khan, Asif stated that cases against him are ongoing and the judicial process is being followed. He criticised Afghan transit trade as causing losses, asserting that closing it would be beneficial rather than harmful. He also condemned the practice of importing goods under the pretext of Afghanistan for sale in Pakistan.

On Afghan refugees, Asif said that four decades of hospitality had been repaid through terrorism.

Asif maintained that Pakistan’s participation in the Gaza peace force would be a source of national pride.