Defence Minister Khawaja Asif hit back at Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman in the National Assembly on Thursday, accusing him of political double standards and saying he would not have criticised the government if his party had been given a share in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government.
Speaking in the National Assembly, Asif rejected criticism of Field Marshal Asim Munir’s visit to Tehran, clarifying that no defence agreement was being negotiated there. He said Munir had played an important role in promoting regional peace following the Pakistan-India conflict.
Asif said he had been involved in both defence agreements mentioned in the debate but was not required to accompany the field marshal to Tehran. He described the criticism directed at him as misplaced.
The defence minister also criticised Fazlur Rehman’s political record, claiming he had benefited from power-sharing arrangements and had become opposition leader through what he called a “friendly contest.” He questioned the JUI-F chief’s performance as chairman of the parliamentary Kashmir Committee, a position he held for 10 years.
“Do not force me to speak,” Asif said, warning that he could disclose further details about the JUI-F chief’s role in the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) government.
During the speech, JUI-F lawmakers protested, while MNA Alia Kamran raised the issue of the house quorum. The quorum was subsequently found to be complete.
Asif urged political leaders to put aside group interests and work together for Pakistan’s security and development. He also criticised the opposition for what he described as a lack of appreciation for Pakistan’s diplomatic achievements.
He concluded by saying that JUI-F would not have raised the same criticism if it had been given a share in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government.
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