Khawaja Asif reveals former General Bajwa’s press conference threat. In a candid revelation, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif disclosed on Wednesday that he had been threatened by former Army chief General (retd) Qamar Javed Bajwa.
Asif shared the incident during an interview with Shahzeb Khanzada on Geo News, recounting Bajwa’s warning of a potential press conference against him.
General Bajwa’s press conference threat
Asif confirmed that this wasn’t the first time Bajwa had threatened him.
Despite the seriousness of the threat, Asif maintained his defiance, challenging Bajwa to follow through with his warning.
“Yes, he threatened me earlier as well and told me that he [Bajwa] would hold a press conference against me to which I said do it.”
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He further stated that his demand to summon ex-army chief and spymaster Faiz Hamid to the National Assembly for questioning on the Taliban return policy was not intended to insult anyone.
“Two or three years ago we were given a briefing that if the Taliban were allowed to return to Pakistan, a new era would start, and there would be peace and brotherhood. We were presented with a rosy picture but see what’s happening in the country.”
“If someone is feeling hurt, I would say, let it go.”
PTI’s Condemnation Echoes
The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) also joined in condemning the threat against Asif.
However, Asif clarified that his demand was rooted in the pursuit of transparency and accountability, rather than personal vendettas.
Parliamentary Procedure Debate
On the matter of summoning former military officials to parliament, Law Minister Nazir Tarar weighed in, explaining that only elected members were entitled to appear on the floor of the house.
Tarar suggested that Bajwa and Faiz could be asked to appear before standing committees instead.
Political Sensitivity
Asif reiterated that addressing election rigging should commence from 2018, emphasizing the political nature of the issue.
He emphasized that his demand had not been directed by his party and urged those offended by it to move past it.
The revelation of threats against the Defence Minister sheds light on the delicate dynamics between political and military figures in Pakistan.
As the debate continues over parliamentary procedures and accountability, the importance of transparent governance remains paramount.
General Bajwa Net worth
Sources claim that during Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa’s six-year tenure as Army chief, his family members and relatives amassed assets totaling ₹12.7 billion.
This revelation has prompted the government to launch a probe into the unauthorized leak of their tax records, labeling it as illegal and unwarranted.
The reported tax records indicate that the combined value of assets and businesses linked to Gen Bajwa, both domestically and internationally, stands at ₹12.7 billion.
