Khawaja Asif slams Dumper Association chief over ‘boycott Pakistan’ remarks

Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has strongly rebuked Dumper Association President Liaquat Mehsud over his controversial remarks suggesting a boycott of Pakistan if the torching of heavy vehicles by citizens continued in the aftermath of traffic accidents in Karachi.

Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Asif criticised Mehsud’s statement, saying that those who have alternatives to Pakistan are free to leave, but they must not disrespect the country.

"Those who have any other option besides Pakistan and express their willingness to use it, such people do not have to live in Pakistan. The soil of Pakistan is our first and last option," Asif wrote in his post.

Earlier, Mehsud had lashed out at the Sindh government after several dumpers were set on fire following a fatal accident involving a motorcyclist near Powerhouse Chowrangi in Karachi.

He claimed that at least eleven dumpers were torched in the aftermath of the incident.

While clarifying that he did not intend to create law and order issues, Mehsud threatened to 'boycott Paksitan' if the situation continued unchecked and if what he referred to as “terrorist acts” were not stopped.

"We will block the road by night. I tried to avoid taking the law into my own hands. We are Pakistanis, and we are answerable to Allah," he added, signaling possible protests if the authorities fail to ensure the safety of dumper operators.