Copyright timesnownews
Pakistan's Defence Minister Khawaja Asif found himself in an embarrassing situation during an interview with journalist Mehdi Hasan, as he faced criticism over contradictory claims regarding former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s X (formerly Twitter) account. Asif first alleged that Khan was operating his X account from inside Adiala Jail. However, Hasan reminded him of his earlier claim that India was controlling Khan's account, prompting the minister to backpedal. "He is operating a Twitter account from the jail cell," Asif said. Hasan pressed, "You said he was operating from India the other day... You said India is controlling his Twitter account... You just made two different allegations. Is it Imran in his prison cell or is it India?" Flustered, Asif replied, "Either he is operating from the cell or he should at least identify who is operating the jail cell." When asked about the evidence supporting his claims, he cited "intelligence sources" but refused to provide proof. "The evidence I cannot publicly disclose the evidence," he said. On why he made the claim without disclosure, Asif said, "No, because it is there." Hasan also questioned Asif about the Pakistani government’s handling of Khan, who has been imprisoned since August 2023 after a three-year sentence in a corruption case. Asif dodged the question, saying, "He must prove that he has clean hands." During the interview, Asif also addressed Pakistan’s foreign relations. He dismissed concerns that closer ties with the US could affect relations with China, stating, "We are not worried about that, because it's a time-tested relationship with China - since the more could just conclude it by saying that China is not worried about our flirtations or whatever you call it." (With agencies' inputs)
