Islamabad: Defence minister Khawaja Asif issued a sharply worded statement on social media on Wednesday, accusing political rivals of being “desperate for power” and criticising what he described as their reliance on Indian media narratives.
Criticism of Opponents’ Remarks on Military Leadership
In his post, Asif defended Pakistan’s military leadership, recalling that six months earlier the army, air force and navy had jointly “responded forcefully” to India. Without naming anyone, he said those questioning the role of the services chief were ignoring the events of that period.
He referenced former US President Donald Trump’s comments during earlier Indo-Pakistan tensions, claiming Trump had repeatedly mentioned the downing of Indian aircraft — statements Asif said had unsettled Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Rebuke Over Comments on National Identity
Asif argued that love for Pakistan and commitment to defending the country’s sovereignty should not be labelled “radical Islamist” or “Islamic conservative.” If such labels were applied, he said, they would extend to “250 million Pakistanis.”
He accused his opponents of seeking space in foreign media, alleging they were “upset because the sewing machine is no longer working,” a phrase often used in Pakistan’s political discourse to imply loss of external support or favours.
Call to Keep Political Battles Within Pakistan
The former minister urged politicians to fight political battles at home rather than “sitting in the lap of the enemy.” He said criticism of Pakistan while using foreign platforms amounted to undermining national interests.
Warning Over Future Conflict with India
Reacting to remarks made by a political figure regarding a future conflict, Asif warned that if India attempted to impose war on Pakistan again, those making such comments would “face the same consequences” as New Delhi.
Asif’s tweet adds to an already heated political climate, where senior leaders have increasingly turned to social media to issue rapid, personal and confrontational responses to rivals.
Read more: Pakistan Reopens Torkham Border on Humanitarian Grounds
