NEW YORK: Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif on Saturday alleged that Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) had postponed its long march because it wanted to steal donations, and claimed that the party could eventually call off the protest after raising funds.
PTI had launched a nationwide fundraising campaign for its September 27 long march, appealing to workers and the public to contribute Rs100 each. The party had claimed that millions of rupees were raised for the protest.
However, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi announced on Friday that the PTI’s long march towards Islamabad, originally scheduled for September 27, had been postponed and would now commence from Peshawar on October 4.
Speaking to the media in New York, Asif said, “Perhaps they had not received enough money for the march, which is why they have postponed it for a week. They may collect the money and then call off the march and pocket the funds.”
The minister said he was not aware of any contact between the government and PTI, adding that there could be no talks, agreement or reconciliation with the party.
“Dishonesty is in PTI’s DNA,” he alleged, adding that there was no room left to trust the party.
Asif also claimed that PTI members themselves were speaking against the party and alleged that some of its workers were demanding their own arrests.
The defence minister said Pakistan would stand by Saudi Arabia in the event of any aggression against the Kingdom, referring to the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement.
PTI formally announces postponing Islamabad long march till October 4
Responding to a question about Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia, Asif said that if the Makkah agreement was activated, Pakistan would be bound by its terms and conditions.
“That is our solemn pledge and we will honour it,” he said.
He said Pakistan was continuing its efforts to promote peace in the Middle East, adding that Qatar was also playing its role in the process.
Water dispute with India
Commenting on tensions with India over water, Asif said water was essential for life and that Pakistan would respond with full force if anyone attempted to interfere with its water resources.
“Water is life. If somebody tries to tamper with our life, what else can we do? We have to respond with full force, with whatever is at our disposal,” he said.
Governor’s rule
On the possibility of imposing governor’s rule in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Asif said the option had always existed under the Constitution.
However, he described governor’s rule as an undesirable step and a last resort.
