Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has said that the government remains serious about holding talks with Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), but questioned the opposition party’s sincerity, saying its leaders keep flipping their stance.

 

Speaking to a private news channel, Asif said the government wants dialogue, but PTI does not appear committed.

 

“They speak in many languages,” he said sarcastically.

 

“Some talk in English, some in Punjabi, some in Urdu. Even the KP [Khyber Pakhtunkhwa] government says one thing, while PTI members sitting in the assembly say something completely different. Which version are we supposed to believe?”

 

The defence minister also said that people sitting outside the country who constantly resort to abusive language should be stopped first, adding that those people were doing so as part of a strategy and not on their own. 

 

“There is an organised plan under which people sitting outside are abusing institutions and individuals,” he added.

 

Asif accused PTI of keeping room for backtracking and said the party wanted to leave space for double-dealing rather than committing to talks. 

 

“This is a problem of intent. If PTI is sincere, talks can happen and they can produce results. But then there are ill intentions. It feels like a card game where everyone is playing together,” he said.

 

In reference to Mahmood Khan Achakzai’s election as the opposition leader, Asif questioned why the largest opposition party did not nominate its own leader for the slot.

 

“He is like a brother to us, and I respect him greatly. I may disagree with his politics, but I have a strong personal relationship with him. It is a good decision that he has become opposition leader, and I welcome it,” he added.