Defense Minister Khawaja Asif on Saturday dismissed reports claiming pressure for the release of PTI founder Imran Khan stressing that no offer had been made by the government to shift Khan to his Bani Gala residence or any other location.
Speaking at a ceremony in Sialkot, Khawaja Asif clarified that all attempts by PTI to destabilise the country had failed, citing improvements in Pakistan’s economic indicators.
He categorically rejected PTI’s claims, stating that such reports were baseless.
“There is no truth in PTI’s assertion that the government has offered to move Imran Khan to Bani Gala or any other place. These claims are being made by PTI themselves,” the minister said.
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“The release of Imran Khan rests solely on the judiciary’s decisions, and as a member of the executive, I am neither authorized nor qualified to comment on such matters.”
Asif further stated that the government was focused on bringing political stability to the country and addressing the challenges posed by economic and political upheaval.
Turning his attention to Pakistanis living abroad, the minister hailed the restoration of flights to Europe, noting that this marked a significant achievement for the nation.
He expressed optimism that the number of flights would increase gradually, with plans to soon resume flights to Britain and eventually extend them to North America. A total of 19 European cities are expected to benefit from this initiative.
The Defense Minister also commended Sialkot’s business community, noting the city's significant contribution to Pakistan’s exports.
He proposed that Sialkot be designated as a ‘bonded city,’ highlighting the efforts of local businesses in developing an airport. Asif credited both Shehbaz Sharif, as the former Chief Minister of Punjab, and Nawaz Sharif, as the Prime Minister, for their pivotal roles in the city’s development.