Defence Minister Khawaja Asif on Thursday alleged that the forces which, according to him, helped bring Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan to power now want him reinstated, warning that such elements seek to subordinate the state to their interests.

In a post on X, the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader compared Iran’s current situation with Pakistan’s circumstances in 2023.

Asif claimed that those who politically nurtured Imran Khan, facilitated his rise to power and are now sheltering individuals who abuse Pakistan from abroad would prefer his return to office.

He alleged that their objective is to once again install a “pliant ruler” and bring the country under their influence.

Referring to the violence of May 9, the defence minister said the attacks on military installations were part of the same alleged attempt to achieve these goals.

He contrasted Pakistan’s response to India during Imran Khan’s tenure with more recent developments, saying that when India struck Pakistan during Khan’s government, Indian pilot Abhinandan Varthaman was returned “overnight.”

He added that when India attacked in May 2025, Pakistan, “wrote a history of victory,” leaving the world surprised.

Asif said the armed forces, “with the help of Allah,” upheld national pride, while martyrs made the country eternal. He cautioned the public that adversaries remain vigilant and urged continued alertness.

The PML-N leader also criticised what he described as “so-called Pakistanis” sitting abroad who support dialogue with the Taliban, accusing them of being enemies of Pakistan’s peace, development and economic stability, and of seeking to deny the country a secure future.