Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has sharply criticised Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), claiming the party has recently “crossed the red line” in actions that challenge the authority of the state.

While his party, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), has voiced criticism of the army in the past, Asif said that it never undermined Pakistan’s sovereignty.

Speaking on recent political developments, Khawaja Asif accused PTI of manipulating social media narratives and alleged that some party members are paying extortion to the Taliban. He also pointed to a conversation between PTI founder Imran Khan’s sister and Indian media, calling it the “last nail in the coffin” and highlighting what he described as internal contradictions within the party.

Comparing PTI with previous leadership, Asif noted that former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, despite being imprisoned and removed from office multiple times, never spoke against Pakistan’s integrity or existence in interviews with Indian media. Similarly, the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) maintained loyalty to Pakistan even during crises, including the aftermath of Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto’s assassination.

Khawaja Asif also referenced the May 9 incident, asserting that unlike PTI, neither PPP nor PML-N has ever engaged in acts that challenge state authority. He criticised the PTI leadership further, pointing out that even the Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has not actively contributed to the war on terrorism, while party workers openly oppose government policies.