Asif says his statement represented a principle stance

KARACHI: Federal Minister for Defense, Khwaja Muhammad Asif has said that his statement on the floor of the National Assembly (NA) was based on principles, which was not at aimed at targeting any state institution – ARY News reports.

In his exclusive talk in ARY News program 'Off the Record', the Minister of Defense said that his statement in the House, represented a principle stance and he did not mean to single out any state institution by saying so.

Khwaja Asif is facing strong criticism, over his statement, which he passed a few days ago during the session of the National Assembly (NA). Asif had said that he respects the military, as much as it respects the other state institutions.

The criticism turned severe, when yesterday, the Army Chief, General Raheel Sharif stated that the Pakistan Army upholds the sanctity of all institutions, yet it also knows how to defend its own pride.

The statements from both the sides hold vital significance, in the wake of treason trial of ex-Army Chief and former President, General (R) Pervez Musharraf.