Defence minister questions the role of accountability institutions in political cases, recalling his detention during the PTI government.
SIALKOT, PAKISTAN — WEB DESK: Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif has criticised what he described as a longstanding practice of arresting individuals before deciding what charges to bring against them, questioning the accountability process in Pakistan.
Addressing the annual convocation of the University of Central Punjab in Sialkot on Saturday, October 31, Asif recalled his own detention during the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government and alleged that authorities had failed to establish the case against him.
He said institutions such as the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) often arrest individuals first and subsequently consider what cases should be brought against them. He described the practice as a recurring feature of Pakistan’s political history.
Khawaja Asif recalls detention during PTI government
Reflecting on his political career, Asif said he entered politics in 1991 and had spent around 36 years in public life.
He recalled being imprisoned several times, including at Attock Fort during the rule of former military president Pervez Musharraf.
The defence minister also said he had spent seven months in jail during the PTI government. He alleged that the institutions responsible for his detention could not present evidence in the case against him.
Calls for politicians to hold themselves accountable
Asif also said he had repeatedly argued on the floor of the National Assembly that politicians should hold themselves accountable.
He maintained that political retaliation did not serve the national interest and criticised the use of accountability institutions in cases involving political opponents.
Mentions meeting with Maulana Fazlur Rehman
During the address, Asif also referred to a recent interaction with Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman in the National Assembly.
He said that although he sometimes felt tired after decades in politics, the meeting and subsequent exchange in parliament had reminded him that he still had the energy to continue his political work.
Urges educated youth to contribute to Pakistan
Speaking to graduating students, the defence minister stressed the importance of education and professional skills in national development.
He congratulated the graduates and said educated and skilled young people could play an important role in shaping Pakistan’s future. Pakistan
