Khawaja Asif Warns PTI Against Pressuring Govt
Published On 09 Oct, 2026
9 News HD: Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has warned that Imran Khan will receive no relief if Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) tries to pressure the government through its long march. He said the government would not accept demands under pressure and urged the party to return to talks.
Speaking to Geo News at Parliament House in Islamabad, Khawaja Asif rejected the idea that PTI could force the government to accept its demands through protests. He said political pressure would not change the government’s position.
The defence minister also accused PTI of taking a position that benefits the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). These were his allegations, while the report did not include a response from PTI to these specific claims.
Khawaja Asif raised concerns about the security situation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), alleging that militants were operating freely in several districts. He also questioned the provincial government’s response to the issue and called for action against terrorism.
The minister urged PTI leaders to sit at the negotiating table and focus on political dialogue instead of trying to force the government to accept their demands. He also called on opposition leader Mahmood Khan Achakzai to play a role in addressing the country’s political and security challenges.
The statement comes amid tensions between the government and PTI over Imran Khan’s release and the party’s protest movement. Khawaja Asif made it clear that, in his view, pressure through a long march would not secure relief for the PTI founder.
The government’s position and PTI’s response will remain important as political discussions and tensions continue.
