Tue, 21-Oct-2025

Pakistan, Afghanistan agree on urgent need to eliminate terrorism: Khawaja Asif

Pakistan

ISLAMABAD: Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has said that following recent talks, Pakistan and Afghanistan have reached a consensus on the urgent need to eradicate terrorism. In an interview with Arab News Channel, the Khawaja Asif stated that the core objective of the agreement between the two neighbouring countries is to end terrorism, which has long … Read more

Khawaja Asif mocks Afghan Government with Modi’s picture after border clash

Khawaja Asif mocks Afghan Government with Modi’s picture after border clash

Defence Minister Khawaja Asif took a sharp jab at the Afghan government following Pakistan’s strong military response to recent border aggression. Sharing a post on X (formerly Twitter) with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s photo, he sarcastically captioned it, “They got you too!” a remark that quickly went viral online. Khawaja Asif, known for his … Read more

Tensions with Afghanistan may worsen ‘but that’s not our desire’: Khawaja Asif

Tensions with Afghanistan may worsen 'but that’s not our desire': Khawaja Asif

Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has cautioned that Pakistan’s ties with Afghanistan are heading towards further deterioration, stressing that Islamabad does not desire any escalation in tensions with its neighbour. In an interview with a private TV channel, Khawaja Asif said, “May God not bring a situation where relations with Afghanistan deteriorate to the point of … Read more

Pakistan-Saudi Defence Pact leaves door open for future allies: Khawaja Asif

Pakistan-Saudi

ISLAMABAD: Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has said that it is premature to talk about the inclusion of any other country in the recently signed defense agreement with Saudi Arabia, but the possibility has not been ruled out. Asif explained that under the agreement, if either Pakistan or Saudi Arabia is attacked from any side, it … Read more

Khawaja Asif Rejects Indian Air Chief’s Claims, Calls Them Baseless and Ridiculous

Khawaja Asif Rejects Indian Air Chief’s Claims, Calls Them Baseless and Ridiculous

Khawaja Asif Responds to the claims made by the Indian Air Chief, calling the statement false and ridiculous. He said wars are not won by lies but by bravery and professional skill. The Defence Minister stated that false narratives can create dangerous strategic misunderstandings in a nuclear region. He said the delayed claims by the … Read more

Khawaja Asif hints at PPP joining federal and Punjab govt

Khawaja Asif

ISLAMABAD: Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has hinted at the possible inclusion of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) in both the federal and Punjab governments. Khawaja Asif stated, “I can’t reveal what’s currently happening, but there is a possibility that PPP may join the government.” He added that PPP’s inclusion would be a positive development, although … Read more

India’s request to respond after Khawaja Asif rejected at SCO meeting

SCO meeting

BEIJING:  During the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) meeting, a request by Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh to speak after Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif was denied by the Chinese chair.

In his address, Khawaja Asif presented evidence of Indian interference in Pakistan before member states, highlighting incidents such as the Jaffer Express attack and the case of Kulbhushan Jadhav.

Following Khawaja Asif’s speech, the Indian Defence Minister sought permission from the Chinese host to respond, but his request was turned down, maintaining the forum’s procedural order.

Khawaja Asif has said that Kashmir and Balochistan were mentioned in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization declaration, other countries also supported Pakistan’s position.

The Defence Minister stated that the conference communiqué is issued jointly, and if any member is absent or disagrees, it is not released. He added that nine member countries of the organization had agreed on the joint communiqué, but India refused to sign it.

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Khawaja Asif calls for peaceful settlement of Kashmir, Palestine disputes

Khawaja Asif

BEIJING: Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif, addressing the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Defence Ministers’ Conference, called on the international community to ensure the peaceful resolution of long-standing disputes such as Kashmir and Palestine. According to a statement issued by the Ministry of Defence, the minister reaffirmed Pakistan’s unwavering commitment to the principles and objectives … Read more

Khawaja Asif calls for OIC session to devise strategy against Israel

Khawaja Asif

ISLAMABAD: Federal Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has called on the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) to convene an emergency session to formulate a unified response to Israel’s continued aggression in the region. Addressing the National Assembly, the minister strongly condemned Israel’s military actions, particularly its recent attacks on Iran, describing them as a grave threat … Read more

India attempts to circumvent Indus Waters Treaty: Khawaja Asif

Pakistan has vowed befitting response to any misadventure by India under the garb of Pahalgam false flag operation in the Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir. Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has issued a stern warning to India, saying that Pakistan will give a full and comprehensive response to any form of aggression. He stated that … Read more

Khawaja Asif slams Arif Alvi for clinging to presidency despite PTI’s ouster

Khawaja Asif

Islamabad: Federal Defense Minister Khawaja Asif strongly criticized Arif Alvi. In his statement, Khawaja Asif said, “A key trait of PTI leaders is shamelessness, and a clear example of this is Arif Alvi, who clung to the presidency even after his party lost the no-confidence vote in the National Assembly.” He further stated that Arif … Read more

Pakistan’s economy is stabilizing and political situation is improving, Khawaja Asif

Khawaja Asif Rejects Indian Air Chief’s Claims, Calls Them Baseless and Ridiculous

Federal Defense Minister Khawaja Asif has stated that Pakistan’s economy is recovering and the political situation is improving. Speaking to the media, he highlighted the long-standing presence of Pakistanis in the UK and noted that the Army Chief is currently on an official visit there. “He was given a guard of honor with respect and … Read more

Khawaja Asif expresses sorrow over Prince Karim Aga Khan’s passing

ISLAMABAD: Federal Defence Minister Khawaja Asif expressed his profound sorrow on Wednesday following the passing of Prince Karim Aga Khan. He extended his heartfelt condolences to the Aga Khan’s family and the Ismaili Muslim community. “I am saddened to hear about the passing of Prince Karim Aga Khan and extend my condolences to his family … Read more

Govt taking step to address operational challenges of PIA: Kh Asif  

Kh Asif  

ISLAMABAD: Minister for Defence Khawaja Muhammad Asif assured the Senate that the government is taking concrete measures to address the operational challenges faced by Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), including the temporary suspension of flights to destinations like Chitral and Larkana, exacerbated by harsh weather conditions and a shortage of ATR aircraft.

Responding to concerns raised by senators, Asif acknowledged the airline’s limitations, noting that PIA currently operates only three ATR aircraft, of which one is grounded.

“Efforts are underway to bring the grounded aircraft back into service to resume flights to underserved areas,” he said, adding that discussions with private airlines are also in progress to ensure connectivity to remote regions.

Highlighting systemic challenges, the minister said, “PIA has faced significant setbacks, including bans on flights to lucrative routes in the UK and Europe. However, we are optimistic as audit teams are currently evaluating operations, and we expect these routes to reopen soon.”

Asif emphasized the government’s commitment to subsidizing flights for residents of remote areas and revamping smaller airports to make them operational. “Private airlines are being encouraged to operate from smaller airports like Chitral and Larkana, ensuring affordable and accessible air travel for the local population,” he stated.

Addressing broader concerns about the state of PIA, Asif explained that the government is actively working to restructure the airline. “A privatization attempt is being revisited to improve operational efficiency and service delivery,” he said, adding that the revival of PIA requires significant resources and time.

Senators, including Falak Naz and Saifullah Abro, voiced concerns about the lack of spare parts for ATR aircraft and questioned the timeline for resuming services to remote areas.

Senator Shahzaib Durrani suggested upgrading Chitral Airport to accommodate larger aircraft, a proposal Asif agreed to explore despite the operational challenges posed by the region’s terrain.

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Khawaja Asif calls allegations made by Afghanistan against Pakistan baseless

Tensions with Afghanistan may worsen 'but that’s not our desire': Khawaja Asif

Defense Minister Khawaja Asif has dismissed the allegations made by Afghanistan’s acting Deputy Foreign Minister Abbas Stanikzai, labeling them as baseless and an attempt to divert attention from core issues. On social media platform X, Khawaja Asif pointed out that the claims were inconsistent with reality, highlighting a UN report that identifies over two dozen … Read more

Khawaja Asif clarifies no plan to impose governor rule in KP

Khawaja Asif clarifies no plan to impose governor rule in KP

Amid rumors about imposing governor’s rule in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), Defence Minister Khawaja Asif clarified on Saturday that the federal government has no plans to take such action against the PTI-led provincial government. The speculation arose after a federal cabinet meeting reportedly discussed the idea, blaming KP Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur’s administration for using … Read more

Ban on Pakistani airlines’ flights to Europe lifted, announces Khawaja Asif

PIA

Minister for Defence and Aviation Khawaja Muhammad Asif  has announces that ban on Pakistani airlines’ flights to Europe has been ended by the European Commission and European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) The minister on the social media platform ‘X’ said, “A Good news for aviation sector in Pakistan as ban on Pakistani airlines has ended. … Read more

12th edition of IDEAS 2024 kicks off at Karachi

IDEAS

KARACHI: The 12th edition of International Defence Exhibition and Seminar (IDEAS 2024) commenced at Karachi Expo Centre on Tuesday.

Inaugurated by Federal Minister for Defence and Defence Production Khawaja Muhammad Asif, the exhibition will continue till 22 November 2024.

Besides trade visitors, more than 350 high-level delegations from 55 countries are visiting the exhibition, a mega-regional event; biennially organized by Defence Export Promotion Organization (DEPO) in Pakistan, said a statement issued by Defence Export Promotion Organization (DEPO) in Pakistan.

Since its inception in the year 2000, IDEAS has emerged as an international rendezvous for defence manufacturers, entrepreneurs, R&D specialists, financial experts and top-level policymakers to promote cooperation, knowledge sharing and support ventures in the field of defence collaboration. Indeed, IDEAS is an event that brings together the global defence industry for synergistic businesses and cooperation.

In his inaugural address, the federal minister said that today, Pakistan offered enormous opportunities for profitable investments, joint ventures and trade in all sectors including the defence industry.

He said that IDEAS served as a regional gateway for international manufacturers and suppliers to explore new avenues of defence cooperation through joint ventures, outsourcing and collaboration.

Asif said technologies were playing a vital role in confronting modern-day security challenges and their responsible use can make the world a better and safer place.

IDEAS 2024 has surpassed all previous milestones in terms of space, booking, exhibitors and delegates both domestic and foreign.

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Khawaja Asif heckled, threatened with ‘knife attack’ in London

Khawaja Asif heckled, threatened with 'knife attack' in London

Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif encountered unsettling heckling and threats of a “knife attack” from an unidentified individual at a station in London, as shown in a video that has circulated widely on social media. Sources close to the PML-N leader confirmed, stating that the video showing the defence minister being threatened and mistreated is … Read more

Special Parliamentary Committee to finalise name of CJP today

CJP

ISLAMABAD; A first meeting of Special Parliamentary Committee will be held today at Parliament House to finalise the name of new Chief Justice of Pakistan(CJP).

The Special Parliamentary Committee includes Khawaja Asif, Ahsan Iqbal, Shaista Pervez Malik and Azam Nazir Tarar from the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz(PML-N),  while Raja Pervez Ashraf, Naveed Qamar and Senator Farooq H. Naik from the Pakistan People Party (PPP) are part of the committee.

Muttahida Qaumi Movement’s Rana Ansar and Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F)’s Kamran Murtaza have been included in the committee, while Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s Barrister Gohar Ali Khan, Sahibzada Hamid Raza and Senator Ali Zafar have been included in the special parliamentary committee.

The meeting of the Special Parliamentary Committee set up for the appointment of the Chief Justice will be held today at 4 pm in the Parliament House, during which the committee will finalise one name for the new Chief Justice and send it to the Prime Minister.

The Chief Justice has to send the three names to the Parliamentary Committee by 12 midnight tonight as under the 26th Constitutional Amendment, the appointment of the new Chief Justice will be three days before the retirement of the current Chief Justice.

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Govt confident Maulana Fazl to back amendments: Khawaja Asif

Govt confident Maulana Fazl to back amendments: Khawaja Asif

ISLAMABAD: Defence Minister Khawaja Asif on Friday stated that the government was confident that JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman would support the proposed constitutional amendments. Speaking to a private news channel, he said that Maulana Fazl’s support was vital and they were making persistent efforts to build consensus with him. “Consultations are underway on the … Read more

China is corner-stone of Pakistan’s Foreign Policy: Asif

China corner-stone of Pakistan’s Foreign Policy with convergence of views on global issues: Asif

ISLAMABAD: Minister for Defence and Defence Production, Khawaja Muhammad Asif on Monday, during a call on by People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Ground Forces Commander of China, General Li Qiaoming, said that friendship with China was a corner-stone of Pakistan’s Foreign Policy based on convergence of views on regional and global issues. The Minister welcomed the … Read more

Govt decides to call APC to discuss Operation Azm-e-Istekham: Asif

Govt decides to call APC to discuss Operation Azm-e-Istekham: Asif

ISLAMABAD: Minister for Defense Khawaja Muhammad Asif on Tuesday said that the government had decided to call all parties conference (APC), to discuss plan of operation “Azm-e-Istekham” to flush out terrorism and bring complete peace and prosperity for the people of Pakistan. Opposition parties should come forward for comprehensive talks with the government so that … Read more

Azm-e-Istehkam operation: Khawaja Asif asks Opp to present suggestions

Azm-e-Istehkam operation: Khawaja Asif asks Opp to present suggestions

ISLAMABAD: Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif says constitution protects rights of every citizen, irrespective of religion or faith. Taking the floor in the National Assembly on Sunday, he said mob-lynching in the name of religion cannot be allowed. Regarding the decision taken by the Central Apex Committee on the National Action Plan of launching Azm-e-Istehkam … Read more

NA Speaker suspends Mastikhel membership for current session

NA Speaker

ISLAMABAD:  Speaker National Assembly Ayaz Sadiq suspended opposition Member National Assembly (MNA) Muhammad Sanaullah Khan Mastikhel  the current session for his inappropriate words about Defence Minister Khawaja Asif.

In the meeting of the National Assembly, Sanaullah Khan Mastikhel addressed Khawaja Asif and uttered inappropriate words. There was an uproar in the House and members of the government protested.

The Deputy Speaker expunged  Sanaullah Khan Mastikhel ‘s unparliamentary language and gave a ruling that he should not speak in such a way that he has to shut down his speaker.

Sanaullah Khan Mastikhel said that when Khawaja Asif speaks here, we feel like crying and you (Khawaja Asif) have been coming to the House with money from agencies.

Later, the women lawmakers of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) protested against Sanaullah Khan Mastikhel in the speaker’s chamber and demanded that Sanaullah Khan Mastikhel be suspended for the entire session.

The Speaker National Assembly moved the motion for the suspension of Sanaullah Khan Mastikhel for session  and said that he has no words to condemn this incident.

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Khawaja Asif stops KP flight to Bishkek at Lahore Airport, blames Saif

Khawaja Asif stops KP flight to Bishkek at Lahore Airport, blames Saif

PESHAWAR: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) government spokesperson Barrister Dr. Mohammad Ali Saif said that a special KP flight to Bishkek has been halted at Lahore Airport. He accused Federal Minister for Defence Khawaja Asif of ordering the flight’s stoppage. Saif mentioned that the special plane is ready for takeoff, with all legal and administrative requirements, including … Read more