Defence Minister Khawaja Asif launched a strong critique of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leadership on Saturday, accusing the party of normalizing abusive language, undermining national institutions, and failing to acknowledge the sacrifices of Pakistan’s armed forces.

He made the remarks while speaking to journalists after attending an IT company ceremony at a local marriage hall in his hometown of Sialkot.

Khawaja Asif said PTI’s leadership, both inside the country and abroad, has adopted a pattern of “naked abuses". He stated that even those operating social media accounts in the founder’s name use the same tone.

He noted that PTI leaders “use cautious words to avoid being caught” but continue to employ divisive rhetoric. “When such language is used against individuals and institutions, it is natural to receive a response,” he said.

PTI stance on martyrs, national security

The minister strongly condemned PTI’s alleged refusal to acknowledge the sacrifices of the armed forces. “I have buried martyrs. Are they not citizens of Pakistan?” he asked, noting that PTI leaders “do not attend funerals” of soldiers martyred in their own province.

He said Pakistan’s forces were giving their lives “without discrimination” and urged PTI to stop supporting terrorists and the Taliban, refrain from paying ransoms, and never speak in favour of militant groups.

According to him, those who avoid honoring the martyrs “can easily criticize DG ISPR’s press conference,” adding that the DG ISPR had responded with caution despite provocation. “I can respond in the same coin,” he remarked.

PTI founder and foreign media appearances

Asif questioned how PTI’s founder and his family could call themselves patriots when, according to him, the founder’s sister spoke on Indian media in a manner no Pakistani should. He accused the PTI founder of remaining silent during national crises, including war with India.

“The founder of PTI speaks on everything, but why did he not speak in favour of his own soldiers?” he asked.

He said the PTI had “changed its identity and adopted the identity of the enemy,” adding that its ideology was now driven solely by the pursuit of power and had “no relationship with this soil.”

Friendly countries stood with Pakistan, PTI did not

Khawaja Asif highlighted that Pakistan’s friendly nations expressed grief over the martyrdom of Pakistani soldiers and “stood shoulder to shoulder with Pakistan in times of war.”

“But one party inside Pakistan did not stand with them,” he said, criticizing PTI for targeting the military leadership even during conflict.

He warned the PTI to “do politics but not be anti-national,” urging the party to support the martyrs, avoid extremist rhetoric, and prioritize Pakistan’s dignity and unity.