Pakistan Defense Minister Khawaja Asif responds to Maulana Fazlur Rehman

Pakistan's Defense Minister Khawaja Asif addressed the National Assembly to respond to criticisms made by Maulana Fazlur Rehman regarding diplomatic activities in Tehran. Asif clarified that no defense agreements were being negotiated in Tehran and that such matters did not fall under the mandate of the Ministry of Defense.

Asif explained that Army Chief General Asim Munir’s presence in the region was intended to facilitate peace and mediate between parties, specifically noting efforts to stabilize the situation between Yemen and Saudi Arabia. He noted that while intelligence chiefs from Saudi Arabia and Turkey were present, no defense ministers from those nations were involved in the specific discussions mentioned.

Furthermore, Asif questioned Maulana Fazlur Rehman’s political motivations and past roles, specifically his tenure as chairman of the Kashmir Committee and his involvement in the government during the Pervez Musharraf era. Asif urged political leaders to maintain dignity and magnanimity despite their differences, noting that political affiliations often shift over time.