Remarks in PTI rally challenged Pakistan’s integrity: Khawaja Asif

ISLAMABAD: Defence Minister Khawaja Asif on Tuesday said that the remarks in the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) public rally had challenged Pakistan’s integrity.

Speaking in the National Assembly, he said that the rally had undermined Pakistan’s integrity, unity and federation.

He condemned linking Pakistan’s existence with any individual, describing it as deplorable. He also strongly denounced the remarks made by Ali Amin Gandapur about attacking Punjab and his comments targeting women, political leadership, and the journalist community, the official news agency reported.

He criticised the remarks made by the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa chief minister, which, he saidm hurt the sentiments of political leaders and media workers.

He termed September 8 as a “black day” in the country’s history in which the KP chief minister had challenged the federation.

The minister expressed regret over the PTI’s avoidance of dialogue with other political parties and alleged that the PTI attempts to gain power through backdoor means.

He also regretted the PTI leadership’s actions targeting defense installations on May 9 and highlighted that the memorials of martyrs were attacked by the PTI workers.

He criticised the PTI for failing to work towards strengthening democracy and parliament.

The minister said that the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan are highly patriotic and have made significant contributions to the country’s progress. He said that the people of the two provinces have made sacrifices to safeguard the nation’s borders.