Former National Assembly Speaker Asad Qaiser has responded to Defence Minister Khawaja Asif’s remarks regarding meetings and discussions related to FATF legislation, stating that intelligence officials were only providing input on technical matters.
Speaking in the National Assembly, Asad Qaiser said that Khawaja Asif had claimed meetings were held at his residence with ISI officials, but clarified that the discussions were actually held in the Speaker’s chamber. He emphasized that the purpose of these interactions was to facilitate cooperation between the government and the opposition on important legislation.
Asad Qaiser further stated that ISI officers were providing input on anti-money laundering and FATF-related bills. He said his role was to act as a facilitator between both sides of the House to ensure smooth legislative proceedings on critical national issues.
Responding to political criticism, he also questioned Khawaja Asif’s remarks about conscience and electoral results. He referred to the 8 February 2024 elections and asked whether those outcomes were not also a matter of concern for the minister’s conscience.
He further challenged Khawaja Asif to resign from what he termed a “contested seat” if he felt burdened by conscience and suggested that he contest elections again, referencing his earlier defeat against Rehana Dar. The Asad Qaiser FATF bills response has added further intensity to the ongoing political debate in Parliament.