Sialkot (Pakistan News): Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif has said that Pakistan has shown the Islamic world a new path, adding that military bases of foreign powers cannot protect any country. True security, he said, comes from relying on one's own strength and capabilities.
Addressing the annual convocation of the University of Central Punjab, Khawaja Asif congratulated the graduating students and said educated and skilled young people could play an important role in the country's development.
He said Pakistan had gained diplomatic standing internationally following its victory in Marka-e-Haq. Military bases established overseas, he said, were built to serve vested interests, while real security came from one's own strength. According to him, Pakistan had also played a role in resolving differences between Iran and its Arab brothers.
The defence minister said Pakistan had defeated an enemy five times larger than itself in Marka-e-Haq and turned it into an example for others. He claimed that Indian leaders had also acknowledged their defeat after the war, while US President Donald Trump had repeatedly mentioned India's defeat and the downing of aircraft.
Khawaja Asif said the journey of success was continuing under the leadership of Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, adding that Pakistan had been fighting terrorism for several decades. He said Pakistan was playing an important role in securing a ceasefire between Iran and the United States and that its efforts had helped reduce differences between Iran and Arab countries.
Referring to his political career, the defence minister said he had been serving the country for 36 years and had been imprisoned several times during that period. He said he spent 7 months in jail during the PTI government, but those who imprisoned him could not prove any case against him.
He said he generally avoided political discussions at educational institutions. However, after responding to a statement by Maulana Fazlur Rehman, he realised that he still had the passion for political struggle.
Criticising institutions such as the National Accountability Bureau (NAB), Khawaja Asif said people were first arrested and only afterwards did authorities consider building cases against them. He described this as a regrettable aspect of Pakistan's 78-year history.