Pakistan’s political landscape has once again heated up as Defence Minister Khawaja Asif finds himself cornered within his own party. Reports suggest that Asif is increasingly uneasy about the growing political stature of Army Chief General Asim Munir, who has become more visible on the international stage, often accompanying Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif on foreign visits—a role traditionally reserved for the defence minister.

Khawaja Asif Faces Backlash in Parliament

On Thursday, the political storm intensified when Railways Minister Hanif Abbasi demanded Khawaja Asif’s resignation during a session of the National Assembly. Abbasi bluntly stated that instead of repeatedly making controversial statements against the government, Asif should step down from his ministerial position.

Asif, a senior leader of the Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz) with nearly four decades of political experience, was initially entrusted with the powerful defence portfolio when Shahbaz Sharif formed his government. However, insiders say he has been sidelined in recent months, as the army chief increasingly takes the lead in defence and diplomatic matters.

Three Controversial Statements That Sparked a Storm

Khawaja Asif has recently made several remarks that have fueled political controversy and triggered strong reactions both within the government and outside it.

1. Blaming Corruption, Not India, for Floods

In a surprising statement, Asif claimed that Pakistan’s devastating floods were a direct result of corruption and mismanagement, not India’s actions. He alleged that contractors and officials had encroached on mountain land, leaving floodwaters with no natural outlet.
He openly criticized Pakistani leaders for attempting to hold India responsible, stressing that Pakistan’s weak infrastructure was the real culprit.

2. Sharp Attack on Pakistan’s Bureaucracy

Asif also lashed out at the Pakistani bureaucracy, accusing government officers of looting public money and building houses abroad, particularly in Portugal. His comments prompted the National Assembly to form an investigation committee.
According to Asif, systemic corruption in Pakistan has reached such levels that “no one can stop it.”

3. Targeting Maryam Nawaz and Calling Floods a “Boon”

In another controversial remark, Asif indirectly criticized Maryam Nawaz, saying provincial governments have failed to manage flood relief operations.
During an interview, he went further, calling the floods a “blessing from Allah.” He even suggested people collect floodwater in buckets for future use, a comment that drew widespread criticism and ridicule.

Is Resignation on the Cards?

With internal party leaders demanding his resignation and his role appearing diminished due to General Asim Munir’s growing influence, speculation is rife about Khawaja Asif’s political future. While he has not announced any decision, political analysts believe his continued defiance could put him at odds with PML-N leadership.

For now, Pakistan’s defence ministry seems caught in a tug-of-war between political authority and military prominence—an issue that has long shaped the country’s governance.