Defense Minister Khawaja Asif criticized Pakistan’s 18th Amendment, saying it transferred most powers to provincial governments. He said incidents in Karachi highlight the need to delegate authority to local levels. Asif also expressed sorrow over the Gul Plaza fire, calling it a national tragedy.
Speaking in the National Assembly, he said local governments must be empowered to handle emergencies. He added that decisions from top authorities often fail to reach the people. Asif argued that strong local governance strengthens the system and ensures public safety.
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He emphasized the need for a unified education system across provinces to shape the next generation. According to him, transferring authority from federal to local levels will help prevent disasters. He warned that without empowered local governments, even defense resources would be forced to respond to crises.
Asif also criticized PTI, questioning its seriousness in political negotiations. He said the party speaks in multiple “languages,” making it impossible to trust their intentions. He accused external forces of creating unrest and using PTI to destabilize the country.
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Finally, Asif praised political figures like Mahmood Khan Achakzai, Nawaz Sharif, and Shahbaz Sharif for allowing debate and differing opinions. He stressed that strong political leadership combined with empowered local governance is vital for Pakistan’s stability.