ISLAMABAD – Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has launched a sharp attack on Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) supporters living abroad, claiming they are desperate to manufacture a political crisis by spreading false narratives about the health of party founder Imran Khan.
In a statement released on social media, Asif said the overseas supporters want to see “agitation, protests and politics of chaos and violence” to create a pretext for regime change and the eventual return of the PTI founder to power.
Sister’s Medical Assessment Called ‘Conclusive’
The minister highlighted a recent press conference held by Imran Khan’s sister, who is a medical doctor. According to Asif, she met her brother alongside other medical professionals and provided a clear, definitive assessment of his condition.
“The statement at the press conference by IK’s sister, who is a doctor and met IK along with other doctors, is conclusive,” Asif wrote. “She said in Urdu: ‘Bilkul fit, Alhamdulillah.’ She even checked his blood pressure, which was perfectly normal.”
Asif emphasized that this clean bill of health from the family member and personal physician had not been welcomed by certain PTI factions, particularly those based outside Pakistan.
Allegations of a Manufactured Crisis
The defence minister accused these overseas supporters of attempting to create “an atmosphere of sorrow and anxiety” to trigger panic and street protests. He alleged that the ultimate aim was to engineer a political crisis that could lead to a change of government and pave the way for Imran Khan’s political comeback.
“Their hopes have been dashed,” Asif stated bluntly, referring to the sister’s positive health report.
He further alleged that coordinated efforts were continuing through foreign media outlets to portray Imran Khan’s health as seriously deteriorating. “A hoax they desperately need,” he said, suggesting that the narrative of a health emergency was being used as a political tool.
Context of Political Tensions
The statements come amid ongoing political tensions in Pakistan, where Imran Khan remains a central figure despite being out of office. The PTI has repeatedly raised concerns about his treatment and conditions, while the government has consistently maintained that he is being provided with all necessary medical care.
Asif’s remarks represent the government’s latest effort to counter what it perceives as a misinformation campaign designed to destabilize the current administration.
