Khawaja Asif sees 'change in PTI's tone after Faiz Hameed's indictment'

Amid ongoing political uncertainty, Defense Minister Khawaja Asif has said Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has 'changed' its approach after Faiz Hameed's indictment.

Speaking to the media in Sialkot, Asif dismissed PTI's recent outreach efforts, suggesting they lack a formal and unified direction.

Khawaja Asif that genuine negotiations require sincerity, which he claimed PTI and its leadership lack.

“Without sincerity, any negotiation is doomed from the start,” he remarked, taking aim at PTI Chairman Imran Khan.

The minister accused the former ruling party of engaging in superficial gestures rather than pursuing meaningful dialogue. Referring to PTI members’ informal gatherings around the National Assembly speaker's office, he said: “They sit around, have tea and biscuits, and then leave. There’s been no official outreach for unconditional talks.”

Highlighting PTI's internal divisions, Asif mocked its contradictory statements regarding conditions for dialogue. While PTI has claimed that its offer for talks is unconditional, the party continues to reiterate its demands.

“Some say there are two conditions, others call for unconditional talks,” Asif observed.

He also ridiculed PTI’s leadership struggles, noting the party's frequent committee reshuffles.

“They’re busy playing the ‘committee game.’ First, it’s a five-member committee, then a seven-member one. They need to resolve their internal disputes first.”

Asif further criticized the fractured communication within PTI, citing conflicting statements from various stakeholders:

“Their followers say one thing, Bushra Bibi says another, and Imran’s sisters have entirely different opinions.”

The minister reiterated that the government has not received any formal proposal for negotiations from PTI.

“There hasn’t been any formal move that requires us to respond. If a unified voice emerges, then we’ll consider responding,” he stated.

Responding to a question on the Supreme Court's decision to allow military courts to announce verdicts for 85 civilians involved in the May 9 riots, Asif admitted he was unaware of the full details but speculated that a legal or constitutional pathway must remain open.

The remarks reflect the government’s firm stance on holding PTI accountable for its internal disarray and maintaining a measured response until a clear and unified proposal for dialogue emerges.