Asif Accuses PPP of Political Failure in AJK
Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has strongly criticised the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) over the prevailing political situation in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), alleging that the party has failed to govern effectively in the region. Speaking on the political situation, Asif said the PPP's decision to invite Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman to Azad Kashmir was an open admission of its political failure.
He also alleged that the PPP had wanted the AJK elections to be postponed and questioned the party's performance in the territory. "My question is: what is the PPP government doing in Azad Kashmir, and why have such conditions emerged there today?" he said.
Accountability Under Scrutiny
The defence minister further questioned whether governments could ignore accountability during periods of political unrest. "Is governing alone enough? In such a situation, is there no responsibility?" he asked. Defending his earlier remarks on the AJK issue, Khawaja Asif said he stood by his statements and would not apologise. "What I said was correct, and even today I refuse to apologise," he said.
Coalition Described as 'Alliance of Necessity'
Commenting on the coalition between the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and the PPP at the federal level, Asif described it as an "alliance of necessity" driven by practical considerations rather than political choice. "We do not have many options in our alliance with the PPP; our options are limited," he said. "The alliance between us and the PPP is an alliance of compulsion. Both parties want to remain in government." He said the coalition reflected the political realities faced by both parties despite their differences.
