SIALKOT: Federal Minister for Defence Khawaja Muhammad Asif has said that there are no words to describe the Swat tragedy.
He expressed these views while talking to the media after offering condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in Swat.
He said that children drowned in front of their mother. “I have no words to talk about this tragedy, but there is no doubt that this is a breakdown of rescue and this is not the first incident, but before this, such incidents of failure of rescuers have happened there too. The rescuers came there, but they came empty-handed and then left because they did not have any equipment,” he added.
The victims say that the officers against whom action had been taken should be recalled. “We will not take any action against them. All these people should be reinstated to their jobs. The death of our family members was written there, which took them there, so we do not want anyone to be held accountable for this accident or any action to be taken against anyone,” they added.
The minister expressed strong criticism over the apparent negligence and shortcomings in addressing safety concerns. Undoubtedly, accidents come from Allah Almighty, but no steps have been taken to prevent these accidents, he added.
In response to a question, he said, “I do not want to engage in political discussions. Let the people decide for themselves or let Allah Almighty decide. Who am I to make any decision about anyone? But I will definitely said that wherever the rulers are, they must realize their responsibilities because governance is not a matter of riding a swing, but rather a bed of thorns. Therefore, all rulers should protect public interests more than their personal and political interests.
Earlier, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has attributed Pakistan’s recent diplomatic, regional, and economic gains — including its strengthened ties with the United States — to what he described as the “hybrid model of governance.”
In a post on X, Khawaja Asif called the meeting between US President Trump and Field Marshal Asim Munir an “unprecedented development” in Pakistan-US relations. “Never before has a US President invited and held talks with a Pakistani army chief in such a manner,” he noted, calling it a landmark in the 78-year history of bilateral ties.
Asif stated that the dialogue between the two leaders — which addressed global and regional concerns — reinforced Pakistan’s pivotal role in international affairs. He credited Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Munir for their leadership, stating that their combined efforts led to economic revival and diplomatic success, including countering Indian aggression.
According to a statement from Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), Field Marshal Asim Munir met US President Donald Trump, at the White House.
The high-level engagement was scheduled at the Cabinet Room over Luncheon, followed by a visit to the Oval Office. Secretary of State Senator Marco Rubio, and Steve Witkoff, the US Special Representative for Middle Eastern Affairs accompanied President Trump. Field Marshal Asim Munir was joined in by Pakistan’s National Security Adviser.
It said a detailed exchange of views also took place on the prevailing tensions between Iran and Israel, with both leaders emphasising the importance of resolution of the conflict.
During the meeting, Field Marshal Asim Munir conveyed the deep appreciation of the government and people of Pakistan for President Trump’s constructive and result-oriented role in facilitating a ceasefire between Pakistan and India in the recent regional crisis.
The COAS acknowledged President Trump’s statesmanship and his ability to comprehend and address the multifaceted challenges faced by the global community. –Agencies
