Asif rejects Fazl criticism of Tehran peace mission
Defence Minister Khawaja Asif told the National Assembly that Field Marshal Asim Munir travelled as a peace envoy, not to negotiate a defence agreement.
Khawaja Asif told the National Assembly on 29 October 2026 that Tehran discussions were not about a defence agreement or Pakistan’s defence.
He said the talks fell outside the Defence Ministry’s mandate and that his own presence there was not necessary.
Asif described Field Marshal Asim Munir as a “messenger of peace” who helped stop a war and limit risks around Yemen.
He urged international recognition of Pakistan’s and Munir’s peace role and hoped for positive Middle East developments soon.
Asif accused Maulana Fazlur Rehman of political pressure, criticised past power compromises, and said foreign and defence policy should not be attacked for political ends.