Defense Minister Khawaja Asif has welcomed Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Founder Imran Khan’s decision to let his party participate in the prime minister's All-Party Conference (APC).
In an exclusive conversation with Samaa TV, Asif highlighted the importance of inclusive national decision-making and commended the PTI’s move as a positive step.
Asif remarked, "It seems that the weather around the PTI founder is changing. He has an old itch to negotiate with the establishment, which has not gone away."
He emphasized that there is no individual thought of negotiating with the PTI within the military establishment and reiterated that the government's offer of talks to PTI remains intact.
The defense minister stressed the significance of collective efforts in addressing national issues. "Participation of all small and big parties in national decisions will be a good initiative," he said, adding that the ongoing operation against terrorism is a national concern and not political.
Khawaja Asif also stressed the cooperation from the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government for Operation Azm-e-Istehkam. "The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa chief minister did not say anything against the operation. His behaviour was positive then and will continue to be positive," Asif noted.
Reflecting on the PTI founder's tenure as the PM, Asif commented, "The founder of PTI ruled for four years. He could have filed cases against me. He realized very late that he had this opportunity."
Despite past conflicts, Asif suggested there might be a change in Imran Khan's stance, indicating a "sympathetic space in his heart".
Reaffirming the government's stance on dialogue, Asif stated, "The government's offer of talks to PTI remains intact. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has offered talks to PTI three or four times. Politicians never close doors; Imran Khan's attitude is non-political."
Asif also touched on the PTI's desire for negotiations with the military establishment, noting, "Talks with the military establishment is the PTI's wish. The establishment has always been the PTI's sponsor." He suggested that Imran Khan’s willingness to engage in discussions indicates a shift in his political strategy.
