Defence Minister Khawaja Asif said on Wednesday that the Venezuelan incident hinted at the start of a significant trouble for the global peace.
While speaking on Samaa News’ program Nadeem Malik Live, he said that negotiations with PTI must take place.
He added that PTI wanted talks through Mahmood Achakzai and Raja Nasir Abbas, but PTI leaders themselves are reluctant to come forward for negotiations, which he called dishonest.
Khawaja Asif emphasized that all parties in the PTI-led coalition should be included in the talks. He noted that PTI might later distance itself from negotiations, and he is unaware of any stance regarding PTI’s founder. He also said that the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) government is avoiding participation in any operations.
He criticized the KP government for 'playing both sides' saying it does not want to anger terrorists but also wants to benefit from the government. He stated that matters will be settled directly with the founder of PTI.
The defense minister added that if the KP government stood with the army, the objectives of operations could be achieved more quickly. He reiterated that decisions will be made with the PTI founder and that the KP government should support the operations. Regarding the use of governor’s rule under the constitution, he said there are reservations.
Khawaja Asif also commented on international issues, warning that incidents like those in Venezuela are a threat to global peace. He stressed that Pakistan should rise above political interests and internal disputes to unite for the country. He called on the KP government to stand shoulder to shoulder with the federal government and the armed forces. On the situation in Gaza, he said Pakistan has not yet decided to participate in any peacekeeping force.
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