Khawaja Asif Dismisses US Pressure for Imran Khan’s Release
ISLAMABAD: Defence Minister Khawaja Asif on Monday ruled out any possibility of the United States exerting pressure on Pakistan to secure the release of former Prime Minister Imran Khan. He emphasized that Pakistan’s ties with the US extend beyond any single individual, political party, or specific event.
Speaking to a private news channel, Asif asserted that the relationship between the two nations is shaped by broader diplomatic and strategic considerations rather than isolated incidents.
His remarks follow speculation that the new US administration, led by President Donald Trump, may attempt to influence Pakistan regarding Khan’s release. This speculation grew after certain US lawmakers, including Trump’s former aide Richard Grenell, expressed support for Khan on social media. However, Asif noted that some of these posts were later deleted.
He clarified that Pakistan maintains structured diplomatic engagement with the US government, which remains a key partner in security and counterterrorism cooperation.
Asif’s comments also coincide with the recent visit of Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi to the US, where he held meetings with influential figures in Trump’s foreign policy team and other legislators. Naqvi expressed optimism about fostering stronger ties between the two nations, emphasizing the significance of these discussions.
On the issue of terrorism, Asif warned that Pakistan is facing an increasing number of attacks, with militant groups such as the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) using sophisticated weaponry. He attributed the rise in violence to advanced US-made arms falling into militant hands.
Additionally, he accused India of orchestrating acts of terrorism within Pakistan. He highlighted that evidence of Indian involvement had been shared with the Afghan Taliban, specifically regarding operations linked to Indian consulates in border areas like Jalalabad.
Despite these challenges, Asif expressed confidence in Pakistan’s armed forces and their ability to counter security threats effectively.
