Khawaja Asif Denies Resignation Rumours in Pakistan

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ISLAMABAD — Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has firmly dismissed speculation about his resignation, calling recent reports baseless and politically motivated.

Speaking to journalists on Wednesday, Asif made it clear that he has no plans to step down from his position in the federal cabinet. “There is no truth to the rumors of my resignation,” he stated, adding that such claims appear to be aimed at creating political confusion.

The minister’s remarks come after a series of unverified posts circulated on social media platforms, suggesting his imminent departure from the Defence Ministry. Several news outlets also referenced the rumors, though none provided credible evidence to support them. Government officials have since moved to clarify the matter, confirming that Asif remains active in his role and continues to oversee the ministry’s operations without interruption.

Asif, a senior member of the Pakistan Muslim League–Nawaz (PML–N), has held multiple high-profile cabinet positions over the years, including the ministries of Water and Power, Foreign Affairs, and Defence. Known for his long-standing political career, he is regarded as a key figure within the government’s leadership structure.

Officials from the Defence Ministry confirmed that all departmental functions remain unaffected, and day-to-day affairs are proceeding as normal. Political observers note that such rumors are a frequent occurrence in Pakistan’s political landscape, where opposition factions and rival groups often use unverified claims to create uncertainty and undermine government stability.

The timing of the rumors coincides with heightened political activity in the country, as the government navigates pressing economic challenges and ongoing debates within parliament. Analysts believe the spread of resignation speculation may be part of broader attempts to stir public doubt about the cabinet’s cohesion.

Khawaja Asif urged the public to rely only on official sources for information, warning that misinformation and baseless claims can harm public trust in democratic institutions. “It is important for citizens to verify news before believing or sharing it,” he said.

His clear dismissal of the rumors appears aimed at quelling any political unrest that could arise from misinformation. For now, the Defence Minister remains in office, continuing his work on national security matters and defence policy.