Khawaja Asif
Coverage of Khawaja Asif in the Nexus archive.
- Ministers rebuke Fazl over 'insensitive' remarks about military personnel
Ministers from the ruling PML-N rebuked Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam-Fazl chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman for remarks suggesting soldiers' sacrifices are tied to salaries. Defense Minister Khawaja Asif and other ministers criticized the comments as morally insensitive, emphasizing the ideological and patriotic duty behind military personnel's service.
- 30pc of MNAs record ‘perfect attendance’ in National Assembly budget session; 2pc skip all
30% of National Assembly members (99 MNAs) attended all 15 sittings of the 28th budget session from June 10 to 24, while 2% (6 MNAs) skipped all sittings. The session saw 70% of MNAs skipping at least one sitting, with the highest attendance (75%) during the 13th sitting on budget-related votes. Female lawmakers recorded higher attendance than male colleagues.
- Senate panel seeks action on high Quetta air fares
A Senate committee addressed high airfares on the Quetta route, frequent flight cancellations to remote areas, and poor facilities at Karachi's Jinnah International Airport. It demanded mandatory flights to underserved regions, an investigation into cancellations, and a report on airport upgrades, while also discussing climate change impacts and aviation licensing issues.
- India increasingly resorting to covert tactics, proxies to undermine peace in Pakistan: PM Shehbaz
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif accused India of using covert tactics and proxies to destabilize Pakistan, citing a May conflict as a catalyst. He emphasized Pakistan's resolve to counter foreign-sponsored terrorism and uphold peace while addressing security challenges. The speech also highlighted the Pakistan Navy's adoption of advanced technologies and addressed graduating naval cadets.
- 'How can they delete their past?': Khawaja Asif tells opposition to correct its ways
Defence Minister Khawaja Asif urged the opposition to address their past actions and sign a Charter of Democracy with the government. He criticized the opposition's recent criticism of the government and referenced historical political conflicts between PPP and PML-N to advocate for reconciliation.
- Kashmir parliamentary committee chairman requests meeting with Achakzai to discuss AJK situation
The chairman of Pakistan's Parliamentary Committee on Kashmir requested a meeting with opposition leader Mahmood Khan Achakzai to discuss the political situation in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), focusing on disputes over the 12 refugee seats in its Legislative Assembly. The Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) opposes these seats, leading to tensions with regional authorities ahead of July 27 elections.
- NA speaker Ayaz Sadiq ‘restores’ airing of PTI speeches
National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq lifted restrictions on broadcasting opposition speeches on NA TV and social media, but warned against criticizing the judiciary and armed forces. PTI MNA Iqbal Afridi's suspension ended, allowing him to rejoin proceedings, following a motion supported by opposition members.
- Iranian defence official calls for regional Islamic security alliance
Iran's acting defence minister, Majid Ibn al-Reza, urged Islamic countries to form a regional security belt during a call with Pakistan's defence minister, Khawaja Asif. The proposal follows Gulf nations reassessing security arrangements after a conflict beginning in late February, with Iran claiming its military actions targeted US interests while some Gulf states disputed this, citing civilian infrastructure impacts.
- Khawaja Asif urges JAAC to let AJK voters decide fate of refugee seats
Defence Minister Khawaja Asif urged the proscribed Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) to allow Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) voters to decide the fate of 12 refugee seats in the region’s Legislative Assembly. The JAAC demands abolishing the seats reserved for Kashmiri refugees, but Asif argued that refugees’ voting rights should not be removed, emphasizing their historical sacrifices and Pakistan’s collective stake in AJK.