ISLAMABAD: The Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has defended the imposition of emergency in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, saying security conditions made the decision unavoidable and that further delay would have caused greater damage.
Asif described the measure as “200 percent necessary”. He said the federal government had hoped to avoid such an intervention but believed deteriorating circumstances left it with no other option.
The government attempted to resolve outstanding issues before taking the decision.
He maintained that the intervention was driven by security concerns and the need to prevent further losses.
Asif accused Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf of failing to take effective action against terrorism during what he described as its 13 years of governance in the province.
He alleged that party leaders neither consistently condemned militants nor attended the funerals of security personnel killed in attacks. He also criticised their response to the sacrifices made by security forces.
The minister further alleged that some elements had become allies of terrorists and were providing them with resources from the provincial treasury.
These allegations were presented as his claims; the supplied report included no supporting evidence or response from PTI.
He also criticised statements attributed to Chief Minister Sohail Afridi and questioned the provincial government’s position on terrorism and Afghanistan.
Asif said its government was actively confronting terrorism, while accusing the KP administration of failing to take necessary measures.
He suggested comparing the approaches of Afridi and Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfaraz Bugti to assess their responses to security challenges.
He pledged that the government would pursue operations aimed at delivering lasting results and restoring peace, whether action was required on the ground or in the air.
Political Process Will Continue, Minister Says
Asif also alleged that armed attacks had been directed at the federal capital, arguing that political demands could not justify taking up weapons against Pakistan.
Referring to former prime minister Imran Khan, he questioned decisions concerning Afghanistan and the return of militants during PTI’s tenure.
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The defence minister said political and administrative processes would continue in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. He expressed confidence that conditions would improve soon, adding that the government’s stated objective was sustainable peace whose benefits would reach ordinary citizens throughout the province.
