He accuses opposition members of showing loyalty to individuals rather than to the Constitution, country
Defense Minister Khawaja Mohammad Asif addressing a session at the National Assembly. PHOTO: FILE
ISLAMABAD:
Federal Minister for Defense Khawaja Muhammad Asif on Friday said the 27th constitutional amendment passed by Parliament would not only ensure justice to the people but also help resolve constitutional issues in a transparent and fair manner.
Speaking before the National Assembly, he reiterated that Parliament is the supreme institution.
“The Constitution grants powers to Parliament, which is supreme. Now this authority has been restored,” he said.
He accused opposition members of showing loyalty to individuals rather than the Constitution or the country.
Referring to the recent terrorist incidents in Wana and Islamabad, he said the opposition had failed to express even a single word of condemnation.
“Their facilitators were arrested, but there was no condemnation from the opposition,” he said.
The minister questioned whether the opposition was on the side of the country or on the side of the activists.
“Their statements, their behavior, their entire conduct shows that they do not support the Constitution of Pakistan or its institutions, especially Parliament, the highest institution. They are only defending their personal interests,” he said.
He further claimed that opposition leaders sympathize with terrorists and seek to protect those involved in cross-border violence.
He said the opposition must make it clear whether its allegiance is to Pakistan, its Constitution or “a single individual”.
He congratulated Pakistan’s armed forces for “writing a new chapter” in the defense of the country’s borders, airspace and seas.
The minister also accused former Prime Minister Imran Khan and his associates of corruption. “In Pakistan’s 78-year history, no one has committed theft on this scale,” he said.
