Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has strongly condemned Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) plans to stage protests during key international cricket events in the country.
He labeled the move as an “anti-national attempt to isolate and embarrass Pakistan on the cricket field.”
In a series of posts on his official X account, Asif stated that PTI had formally sought permission to hold a protest in Lahore on February 8, the same day Pakistan is set to face New Zealand in the first match of their tri-nation series at Gaddafi Stadium.
He further mentioned that PTI had also announced a long march on February 19, coinciding with the opening match of the Champions Trophy, a tournament being hosted in Pakistan for the first time in years.
“This is Not a Coincidence” – Khawaja Asif
“This is not a coincidence; it is a deliberate effort to sabotage Pakistan’s hard-earned return to hosting international cricket. They want to snatch the Champions Trophy from Pakistan, and that is unacceptable,” Asif stated.
He accused PTI of prioritizing political interests over national pride. “Even his [Imran Khan’s] supporters had no idea that a leader could stoop so low for political gains,” Asif remarked.
Targeting the Military Leadership?
In another post, Asif quoted political analyst Muneeb Farooq as saying, “When he saw that his letter had been discarded as trash, Imran Khan has once again started targeting Pakistan’s army chief. They want to create an atmosphere around February 8, and their target is the Pakistan Army and the army chief.”
Responding to this comment, the minister criticized PTI’s repeated confrontations with state institutions. “Every country has red lines that guarantee its security. Imran Khan and his followers have crossed these lines many times since losing power. The consequences are not far off. How long will they continue attacking the very foundation of this country?” Asif questioned.
