Defense Minister Khawaja Asif made startling allegations against former army chief General (retd) Qamar Javed Bajwa, claiming that the latter had threatened to impose martial law in the country if his demand for an extension was unmet.
The revelations were made during a televised interview on Thursday, where Asif elaborated on the former military leader’s alleged attempts to extend his tenure by up to a year.
During his tenure as Army Chief, Khawaja Asif asserted that General Bajwa had sought an extension ranging from six months to one year.
The minister further claimed that General Bajwa explicitly threatened to enforce martial law in one of the meetings, making his intentions clear in front of all present.
"General Bajwa wanted an extension and was ready to go to any lengths to secure it," Asif stated.
He emphasised that the former army’s boss alleged coercion was not just limited to private conversations but was expressed openly during official meetings.
Calls for judicial commission
The defense minister also reiterated the need to establish a judicial commission to investigate the roles of key figures, particularly General Faiz Hameed, in the political machinations of recent years.
"The whole case involving General Faiz Hameed marks the beginning of a new chapter in Pakistan’s political history," Asif remarked, stressing that a thorough investigation was crucial for the country's democratic integrity.
PTI’s role and May 9 tragedy
Delving into the relationship between General Bajwa and General Faiz Hameed, Khawaja Asif alleged that the former Army Chief played a pivotal role in bringing the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government to power. He accused Bajwa of orchestrating the political environment that allowed PTI to govern for four years, during which, Asif claimed, the nation witnessed significant turmoil.
In a pointed reference to the events of May 9, which saw widespread unrest across the country, Asif described the day as a "false flag operation" and a national tragedy. He called for severe punishment for those responsible, suggesting that the day’s events were part of a broader conspiracy.
No difference with Malik Ahmed’s statement
In response to questions regarding potential differences in statements within the party, particularly between himself and Malik Ahmed, Khawaja Asif clarified that there was no discrepancy.
He reaffirmed the unity in their stance on these critical issues, particularly concerning the alleged actions of General Bajwa and the necessity of judicial oversight.
The allegations by the Defense Minister have stirred significant controversy, raising questions about the role of the military in Pakistan's politics and the potential need for institutional reforms to prevent such incidents in the future.
