Defense Minister Khawaja Asif on Tuesday stated that the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has succeeded in its aim to establish contact with the country’s establishment, Express News reported.
Addressing the media outside Parliament House on Monday, he commented on PTI’s ongoing talks with the government. “PTI has confirmed that they have contacted the company. If so, what is the need for negotiations with us?” he asked.
Asif noted that PTI’s aim was to reach the establishment and they have achieved that. “Negotiations are part of politics, but their efforts were focused elsewhere,” he added.
Regarding external pressure, he reiterated Pakistan’s position on sovereignty. “If there is any foreign demand for the release of the PTI leader, we will act in accordance with our national interests. We do not interfere in the domestic affairs of others and we will not tolerate interference in ours,” he said.
Asif also addressed queries about the Sharif brothers and said their meetings are a normal occurrence as they are family.
“During PTI’s talks with us, cases against their leadership were ongoing and witnesses had already testified,” he said, adding that PTI had acknowledged that case decisions would not affect the talks.
The defense minister concluded by stressing the importance of preserving Pakistan’s internal and external interests while rejecting any external pressure.
