Former National Assembly Speaker and PTI leader Asad Qaiser on Wednesday strongly responded to Defence Minister Khawaja Asif’s remarks about having a “burden on his conscience.”
He said that if Khawaja Asif truly feels a burden on his conscience, then he should also explain whether the February 8, 2024 elections were not part of that same concern. He made these remarks while speaking in the National Assembly.
Asad Qaiser also referred to Khawaja Asif’s earlier statement regarding meetings with ISI officials. He clarified that such meetings did not take place at his personal residence. He said the discussions were held at the Speaker’s official residence.
He added that during his tenure, he facilitated coordination between the government and opposition on FATF-related legislation. He said ISI officials were present only to provide input on anti-money laundering and FATF-related bills.
According to him, intelligence officials were involved in the legislative process only in an advisory capacity. He said this was part of routine consultation on sensitive financial legislation.
Asad Qaiser also questioned Khawaja Asif’s electoral record. He asked whether Khawaja Asif had not lost the election to Rehana Dar by a large margin.
He said that if Khawaja Asif truly feels morally burdened, he should resign from what he called a “disputed seat.” He further suggested that Khawaja Asif should contest elections again from the same constituency to clear doubts.
His remarks came during a charged session of the National Assembly, reflecting ongoing political tensions between the opposition and the government.
