Pak minister Khawaja Asif slams Imran Khan, says he would ‘don a dupatta to mimic leaders’

Khawaja Asif defends ISPR criticism, accuses Khan of mocking women and opposition leaders

Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has criticised former Prime Minister Imran Khan and his party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), over their response to a press conference by Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Director General Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry.

During the briefing, Chaudhry described Khan as “mentally ill” and accused him of constructing a politically motivated narrative that threatens national security.

Asif recalled that Imran had previously used “harsh language” against members of the opposition, insisting that the party had no right to object to the military spokesman’s comments.

“When they were in power, I remember, he (Imran) would engage in theatrics and sometimes don a dupatta to mimic leaders. He did that for Mehmood Khan Achakzai, who is with him today. He would also use derogatory language for women,” Asif said, adding that the incarcerated leader continued similar behaviour through statements on his X account.

“If DG ISPR has given a reaction, I believe it is a guarded reaction,” he said. The minister criticised PTI for engaging in activities that reflected an “anti-state” narrative and lamented that the party leadership did not “acknowledge” the sacrifices of the armed forces in counterterrorism operations.

“I have attended the funerals of many martyrs … I have never seen someone from the PTI there,” Asif said, urging the party to “speak in favour of martyrs and not terrorists”. He added, “Do not attempt to hold dialogue with terrorists or take a soft stance with them … when you continue to adopt such an approach, this is exactly the kind of language that will be used against you.”

Asif noted that while the military’s spokesman was “still careful with his words, I, however, have the liberty to give you a hard-hitting answer”. He also criticised the party for interviews given by Imran’s sisters to foreign media, questioning, “How can they call themselves Pakistanis and patriots?”

The minister alleged that PTI’s “sole ideology was to gain power” and claimed the party had no “allegiance to Pakistan”.

He further questioned, “The PTI leader has something to say about everything; why did he not say anything during the conflict for our soldiers and armed forces?” He added, “Even during times of war, they continued to criticise the armed forces leadership … how can such people now say that the DG ISPR should not have said this or that. He has every right to say it.”

In a warning to the party, Asif said, “Do your politics, hold protests, but do not threaten the sovereignty and honour of Pakistan.”

In response to Chaudhry’s comments, PTI leader Barrister Gohar said, “It is regrettable when state institutions and political figures label each other as mentally ill or perceive each other as threats.”

He reaffirmed the party’s commitment to the country, stating, “Pakistan belongs to us, and so does the army; we have demonstrated this in practice and will continue to do so.” Gohar urged that the conduct of “certain non-stakeholders” should not become a cause of tension between PTI and the institutions.