Defence Minister Khawaja Asif said he was in favour of the negotiations, highlighting that all the power centres of the country should sit together to find a solution and be a part of the talks.
“There is army, bureaucracy, politicians, judiciary and media. These are the power centers and they need to sit together to resolve the issues in the country,” said Asif during an address at a ceremony on Saturday.
However, the Pakistan Muslim League-N leader warned the government’s negotiating team to not let PTI founder Imran Khan “take advantage of you”.
Asif’s comments come as the federal government kick-started the talks with the PTI earlier this week at the Parliament House, following months of heightened political tensions.
Asif, while addressing the members of the ceremony, said he was not against the negotiations and very much hopes that they are successful.
The defence minister, without naming Imran, highlighted that the history of 10-15 years shows that PML-N has only taken an initiative in the negotiations.
“Anyone, even from the PTI, tell me who he has [Imran] shown loyalty to,” he asked, adding that the former premier did not even attend the funerals of those who spent their lives with him. “He uses people. Don’t let him use you, I am warning you,” he reiterated.
The PML-N leader lamented that whether they were in power or not, they always offered talks but they never received a positive response. “What happened in the last 15 days that they are now ready for talks?” he questioned.
Asif said that he is unable to understand why the Imran Khan-founded was now turning for dialogues. Defence Minister Khawaja Asif questioned PTI’s reasoning for wanting negotiations after refusing to have talks with the PML-N for around two years. “They used to say that they (PML-N) have no authority, and we will talk to those who have the authority,” he said.
“Why now? What has happened in the past 15, 20 days that you have agreed for negotiations,” the PML-N leader said. “Someone tell me what the secret behind this is? […] With all seriousness, tell me what the secret is,” he said.
