SIALKOT: Federal Minister for Defence Khawaja Muhammad Asif has strongly rejected allegations suggesting that military institutions are seeking mining contracts in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP). Speaking to the media, he categorically dismissed claims that the military has taken control of the province's mineral resources or harbors any intentions to seize them for commercial gain.
The minister asserted that the previous Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) provincial government had issued thousands of mining licences to its own party leaders and individuals based in the United States. He emphasized that these actions were taken under the guise of development, but in reality, they served the interests of a select few associated with the former ruling party.
Khawaja Asif stated that he has already shared specific figures and relevant documentation regarding these licences on his social media accounts. He encouraged media organizations to approach the concerned provincial and federal authorities to independently verify these records, asserting that transparency would reveal the extent of the alleged irregularities.
Furthermore, the minister highlighted the recent statements made by Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi in the Senate and the National Assembly. He noted that these parliamentary disclosures have shed significant light on the actions of several prominent politicians, exposing what he described as the questionable political conduct and misuse of authority by various figures.
Addressing the broader political landscape, Khawaja Asif maintained that the current government is committed to upholding the rule of law and ensuring that national resources are managed with complete transparency. He criticized the opposition for spreading what he termed as baseless propaganda to divert public attention from their past governance failures.
The minister also took the opportunity to praise the contributions of Pakistan's defence institutions over the past 3 years. He stated that these institutions have played a pivotal role in protecting the country's economic and diplomatic interests during a period of significant regional and global instability.
He reiterated that the military's primary mandate remains the security and sovereignty of the state, rather than involvement in commercial mining activities. He urged political opponents to refrain from dragging national institutions into political controversies for the sake of gaining short-term political mileage.
Khawaja Asif concluded by stating that the government remains focused on economic recovery and stability. He expressed confidence that the public is now well-aware of the facts and would not be misled by the narratives being peddled by those who previously held power in the province.
The minister's remarks come at a time when the federal government is actively reviewing various provincial policies to ensure alignment with national economic goals. The debate over mineral resource management in KP remains a contentious issue between the federal government and the provincial leadership.
As the political discourse continues, the minister's call for an independent verification of mining licences is expected to trigger further scrutiny of the previous administration's policies in the mineral-rich province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP).