Khawaja Asif takes U-turn, calls Pakistan Army an asset

E-Paper | March 01, 2026

ISLAMABAD: Calling his past statements on the Pakistan Army a mistake, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif in a statement said that a strong and respected army is a national asset.

“In the last couple of weeks some misunderstanding cropped up based on my speeches delivered many years ago which were made in a different context and in a different environment,” said Asif in a statement issued on Friday in Islamabad.

“It was neither my intention and nor my objective to undermine an institution, which I hold in high esteem, at a time when the armed forces are fighting on many fronts,” the defence minister insisted.

“As a Pakistani I am proud of the valour and sacrifices of the men in uniform for the defence of the nation. It was not my objective to undermine it,” he said.

The defence minister admitted that his statements presented by the media created a misplaced perception about himself which he said was far from reality.

Pakistan Army corps commanders in their meeting last week at GHQ expressed anger over statements of certain minister's and told chief General Raheel Sharif that their sentiments may be conveyed to Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif.

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syed baqar ahsan

Apr 18, 2014 10:51pm

That s like good boy Mr Asif now Rabbani wants to jump he also refused once not visit GHQ and he was dropped-I think these all are ISSB rejected so now taking the revenge as bilawal said "democracy is the best revenge",so far people are suffering.

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nisar

Apr 18, 2014 11:01pm

If Nawaz has a bit of sense and wants to complete his tenure he should fire and send Asif and Rafique back to talk show round tables as they don't deserve to serve masses. They are misfit pack of big mouths

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farrukh

Apr 18, 2014 11:06pm

There are many people in the PML N who could have chosen for the post of defense minister . By choosing Khawaja Asif whose hatred and venom for the defense services was amply demonstrated by his speeches it seems that other people in the party share similar views.

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Ahmed

Apr 18, 2014 11:07pm

Now who is Master of U-Turn. its Khawaja Asif

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Azmat Khan

Apr 18, 2014 11:10pm

Dear Khwaja, you spent all your endeavors and energies on defaming PPP's Prime Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf.He was called Raja Rental.What you have done now and how much damage you have caused you have realized.Can we call now you Khwaja Sentimental or only Khwaja Mental.

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Man from UNCLE

Apr 18, 2014 11:10pm

How many of you think that when Khwaja talks he sounds like saying babababa black sheep.

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Ahmed

Apr 18, 2014 11:14pm

This bunch is not interested in solving people's issues. They are interested in serving themselves and their friends and relatives just as previous PPP rulers. One only need to look at how they behave and compare to countries where there is rule of law.

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Apr 18, 2014 11:22pm

Every Army take-over took place after the civilian governments badly messed things up. Army can never do so if politicians were capable of running a half way decent government with integrity. Khawaja Asif needs to be removed from his Defense job by the PM because his present and past statements against the Army are proof that he cannot represent the institution which he disrespects

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Marghoob Ahmed Siddiqui

Apr 18, 2014 11:30pm

@Ahmed: Any one and specially of the position of Khawaja Asif must think thousand times before making any statement. His remarks about Army were most unfortunate and annoying. He has taken back these with a fear that he and Nawaz may not be sent back to their homes. He is not fit for being a public office holder and must be dismissed immediately.

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Ali Hassan Bhatti

Apr 18, 2014 11:31pm

Sometimes in your life you realise that you were wrong khawaja asif did the same not a big deal.

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Man from UNCLE

Apr 18, 2014 11:39pm

@Ahmed: First of all congratulations for having a good grasp of the obvious (how you pointed this bunch). Now the tough question I have for you: Name the bunch in the history of Pakistan who had the scruples and sincerity to solve people's issue? When answering you question remember any nation gets the government it deserves. That says a whole lot about the nation in general.

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Naim

Apr 18, 2014 11:50pm

Dear Friends It is true that he criticized the Army in Musharraf's time. But he was honest as always. Have we forgotten Dhaka fall under the Army in 1971? lost Siachen glacier in 1980's? How many Marshal laws? What about Kargil operation in 1999? How many Marshal laws under the Army? Hanging Bhutto for a crime he did not commit? So the Army is no an Angel too! It is an institution and should have respect. But Asif is not wrong to say what he believed in Musharraf's times. How many people have disappeared under the Army? What about ISI's role is creating the law and order situation in Pakistan and Afghanistan? I can go on and on. Thanks Naim

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Zafar

Apr 19, 2014 12:03am

Dear sir Khawja Asif, I request either you plainly take your words back which is the best and right thing to do, as principally your previous stance might not be aligned to some guidelines described in our constitution. If not so then show courage to stand by your words. If you are so sure that you have said nothing wrong, why don't you take those people to court who are in your opinion constantly misquoting you? In the past you always filed petitions against such persons and won many cases. Sir, we all know you are one of the most patriotic politicians of Pakistan and we all have great respect for you and your father. In my opinion people like you should avoid controversies and try to bring peace, harmony and economic well-being in this country.

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Chanpeer

Apr 19, 2014 12:27am

Why taking the U-turn now? Most of the politicians have always been taking U-Turn to acquire their priviliges and portfolios. Khawaja sahib exposed!

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Apr 19, 2014 12:34am

@Man from UNCLE: K. Asif cannot lead because he is an angry man who is also arrogant, disrespectful and insecure. He did not Learn a thing from his dad K. Safdar who was a down to earth politician with exemplary patience, a cool head and was dedicated to public service who even served in "Shura" under Zia Ul Haq's military rule

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Irshad Khan

Apr 19, 2014 12:37am

Khwaja Asif and Khwarja Saad Rafique are just the bullys of PML/N, it is good to see they are apologetic. These hot head leaders should be talking like a statesman, they are not leading some mafia gang.

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Khan

Apr 19, 2014 12:42am

"created a misplaced perception", he thinks people are idiots. I hope they do not accept his stupid apology and insist on getting rid of him.

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S Chaudhury

Apr 19, 2014 01:05am

This is another example of those who cannot be trusted or taken seriously. They themselves don't know what they are saying

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Muhammad Farooq

Apr 19, 2014 01:09am

so he has been cut to the size, no wonder.

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tipu

Apr 19, 2014 01:19am

Seems most of the comments are written by agency sponsored or agency peoples.Khawaja asif didnt say anything wrong about the army.I fully endorse his views and once again it is polioticians who have to clean the mess created by the Generals. Pakistan is a very political country and ARMED FORCES are the most organized political party of pakistan and the most sacred cow..politicians can be abused and even cursed by the media anchors.journalists students etc openly but even when an ex retired general is questioned,he barks back just "shut up ediot". and nobody can question them,,unfortunately army has deep roots in our media outlets also,you can find many on their payrolls.

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Azmat Khan

Apr 19, 2014 01:24am

@Irshad Khan: You are very right.PMLN posses many rogues.Saad Rafiq is also among those

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Ahmed

Apr 19, 2014 01:26am

Kh.Asif & Rafiq are illiterates. They should be fired & replaced by sensible professionals who may not be from PML n. But the problem with Nawaz Sharif is that he relies on good for nothing old parasites.

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sajef

Apr 19, 2014 02:12am

Army Zinda Abad

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NHM

Apr 19, 2014 02:46am

bubble burst

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Riz

Apr 19, 2014 03:23am

Ooops ! this is rather embracing as both from the same privileged province .. one's part birth was the result of Army Honeymoon and now the are divorcing each other .. this is what is left of Paksitan

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Sandip

Apr 19, 2014 03:33am

@AW: You are slightly off. He doesn't have to be removed. Rather he should be given support and time to fix an institution that he found hard to respect and change it to one that he and the people of Pakistan can respect.

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Dr Qureshi

Apr 19, 2014 04:00am

Army should demand his resignation and refuse to meet him till then.

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Dr Qureshi

Apr 19, 2014 04:01am

@Muhammad Farooq: He should be fired and charged with treason.

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Dr Qureshi

Apr 19, 2014 04:04am

@Azmat Khan: They are not rogues but speaking on Nawazish's behalf.

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Ali Pakistani

Apr 19, 2014 04:28am

This is how much integrity Asif Khawaja has!!! He can not even stand by his own statements. Does such a person deserve to be the Federal Minister for Defence? Does Khawaja Asif understand that it is still the same Army which he was ridiculing 6 years ago and again almost 6 days ago? If he has an iota of shame, he should resign and go back home.

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ANWAR SYED

Apr 19, 2014 05:12am

Our defense minister Khawaja Asif must go. Our PM must find better qualified people for this very high profile post.

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zeki

Apr 19, 2014 05:15am

I am all for democracy and democratic institutions flourishing in Pakistan. However after hearing Khawaja Asif and Khawaja Saad Rafique I will not mind if army stages a coup tomorrow.

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nabeel ahmad

Apr 19, 2014 05:33am

PMLN posses many rogues.Saad Rafiq is also among those There are many people in the PML N who could have chosen for the post of defense

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Syed Ahmed

Apr 19, 2014 06:16am

If he has an iota of grace he should resign. Is the U-turn is due to fear of Bayoneted at the PMA Kakul by some disgruntled cadet.

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Gul

Apr 19, 2014 06:42am

@nisar: That is the least Nawaz and Co should do.

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Agha Ata

Apr 19, 2014 07:05am

His statement is so transparent to see through. We know who twisted his arm to make a turn about.

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Aftab Alam Khan

Apr 19, 2014 08:15am

It is now,in the wake of Core Commanders complaint regarding Ministers' statement undermining the role of Pak Army to their CHief, crystal clear that Government and ARmed forces are not on the same page. Khawaja Asif now blames Media where his statements were misplaced. It is nothing but lame excuse.What he said, he must stand by his words. When he talks on a TV talk show, he not only speaks but gives a very aggresive expressions with his full body specially through movement of his eyes to establish and maintain his instance. Now a u turn, cha mani dared.

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Salman

Apr 19, 2014 08:21am

@Ali Hassan Bhatti: Why did it take him so long?

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event horizon

Apr 19, 2014 10:19am

My boss made me the defense minister, asked me to make hawkish statements, and then asked me to make apologetic statements. The idea was that the boss wanted to give military a message that my boss is their boss as well and military should not come in the way of my agenda (strong civilian control, friendship with India, etc.)

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imran ali

Apr 19, 2014 10:23am

@Naim: the late ZAB misguided the army,he wanted to rule pakistan...may be you have forgotten that he gave threats to MNAs...that any body attending NA session in Dacca,,he will break their legs

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@H__3

Apr 19, 2014 11:41am

He didnt really say he made a mistake. He said that "they were made in a different context and in a different environment". Once again be-lagam media attributing things to him totally out of context.

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tariq

Apr 19, 2014 01:22pm

How can anyone take this guy seriously was I listening to some one else when he was accusing Army in front of packed NA and what about his other cronies clapping behind him !

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Blitzer

Apr 19, 2014 11:03pm

Both of these Khawajas are unfit to be in any federal cabinet. They should be disqualified from holding any public office under Article 62 & 63 of the Constitution. "THE PROVIDENCE HAS SPOKEN!"

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Zak

Apr 20, 2014 10:47am

@Naim: But first ask yourself why Army step in. Normally at behest of other politicians and when country is sliding towards civil war or there is grave danger to its security. Do not create the situation then you will not have the reaction. Nawaz has not learnt it the third time. Musharaf trial will bring him down again.

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Zak

Apr 20, 2014 10:52am

This and the other khawaja represent everything that is bad in Pakistan and will not allow it to progress.

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masood Ahmad khan

Apr 20, 2014 12:53pm

@AW: I use to think Mr. Khawaja Asif is a sensible person but his action proved that he has some wrong notion about Army. Khawarji sahib, what do u want to prove? Ur speech has misfired. U wanted to prove that u r very loyal to Nawaz Sharif, by making an emotion speech in the parliment. Had I been been on an appointment where u would be. Working under me I would have removed u on ur foolish action. U r not a big shot or trying to become, ur capability is not more then a manager level. If u think ur hell of guy ur r sadly mistaken, a minor little annoyance from Army can make ur life miserable. Ur are not loyal than Army for Pakistan. U may be loyal to Sharif not to Army. We love Army so we strongly condemn u. never ever talk against Army if u want to gain respect.

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