Khawaja Asif warns PTI against agitation ahead of Champions Trophy

Staff Report SIALKOT: As the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) plans to launch a fresh protest movement against the incumbent government, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif warned the former ruling party on Saturday against any agitation ahead of the upcoming Champions Trophy, ruling out “negotiations or surrender” on matters related to country’s integrity and honour. “Protests are being carried out to disrupt the Champions Trophy...there will be no negotiation or surrender on matters related to our integrity, defence, honour and dignity,” the minister said while speaking to journalists in Sialkot. The remarks came as the embattled PTI held protest demonstrations on Saturday to observe a ‘black day’ against alleged rigging in the general election last year. Speaking to the media on Saturday, the defence minister said that the former ruling party has once again announced protests amid the government’s efforts to steer the country out of the crisis. “We have no objection to peaceful gatherings, but their [PTI] protests always turn violent,” he said. “There was a buzz that as soon as [US President] Donald Trump assumes office, Imran Khan will be out of jail...Trump came but nothing happened,” Asif said. He added if the US expressed its desire, its implementation “is not an obligation for the government”. Pointing out the government’s achievements, Asif said that the interest rate and inflation have significantly reduced during the past year. He also noted that Pakistan International Airline’s (PIA) flights to Europe were restored after nearly four years. “The government is taking measures to control terrorism while Maryam Nawaz [Punjab chief minister] is giving away scholarships,” he added. Referring to the May 9 events, the defence minister said that the PTI on that day crossed its limits. “A mutiny was carried out on May 9 and it is being dealt with,” he added. In response to a question, the government also took action against smuggling and closed the routes, where such activities were being carried out.