He accuses opposition members of showing loyalty to individuals instead of constitution, country
Defense Minister Khawaja Mohammad Asif addresses a session of the National Assembly. PHOTO: FILE
ISLAMABAD:
Federal Minister for Defense Khawaja Muhammad Asif said on Friday that the 27th constitutional amendment passed by the parliament will not only ensure justice to the people but also help resolve constitutional issues transparently and fairly.
Speaking on the floor of the National Assembly, he reiterated that Parliament is the supreme institution.
“The constitution gives powers to parliament, which is supreme. Now that authority has been restored,” he said.
He accused opposition members of showing loyalty to individuals instead of the constitution or the country.
Referring to recent terrorist incidents in Wana and Islamabad, he said the opposition had failed to express a single word of condemnation.
“Their facilitators have been arrested but there has been no condemnation from the opposition,” he alleged.
The minister questioned whether the opposition stood with the country or with militants.
“Their statements, their behavior, their entire behavior shows that they are not facing the constitution of Pakistan or its institutions – especially the parliament, the highest institution. They are only standing with their personal interests,” he said.
He further alleged that opposition leaders were sympathetic to terrorists and sought to protect those involved in cross-border violence.
He said the opposition must clearly state whether their allegiance lies with Pakistan, its constitution or “a single individual.”
He praised the Pakistan Armed Forces for “writing a new chapter” in the defense of the country’s borders, airspace and sea.
The minister also accused former prime minister Imran Khan and his associates of corruption. “In Pakistan’s 78-year history, no one has committed robbery of this magnitude,” he claimed.
