ISLAMABAD: Federal Defense Minister Khawaja has ruled out early elections in the country, adding that Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI) couldn’t dictate the ruling coalition for the same.
Talking to different TV channels, he said his government was aware of contacts recently made between PTI and the establishment, but the meetings [with the establishment] took place with the second-tier leadership of PTI with the help of some old acquittances, and not with the Army Chief.
Khawaja Asif however admitted that thus far only one meeting had taken place between the two [Imran Khan and Army Chief], adding that the government already knew about that meeting beforehand.
Responding to different questions, the Defense Minister said that the federal government would not be blackmailed by the PTI if it opted to launch an adventure into Islamabad. He said Imran Khan was using pressure tactics and the government would not come under pressure.
Khawaja Asif, when asked about possible options of back-door diplomacy, said no such discussions were taking place behind the scene. He saidÂ
