Senior politician Rohale Asghar has urged Defence Minister Khawaja Asif to exercise leadership and decide on policy matters involving retired General Qamar Javed Bajwa rather than demand punitive action, in an apparent bid to calm growing tensions in national politics.
In comments gaining traction on social media and political circles this week, Rohale Asghar, a longstanding lawmaker and former federal advisor, said that debate over the role and legacy of the esteemed former army chief should be approached with political maturity and unity, rather than personal attacks or calls for legal measures.
The exchange revolves around public criticism of General Qamar Bajwa’s tenure, which has been at the center of controversy in Pakistan’s political discourse for years. Critics from opposition parties have linked his extended leadership and alleged political machinations to shifts in power dynamics between major parties such as Pakistan Tehreek‑e‑Insaf (PTI) and Pakistan Muslim League‑Nawaz (PML‑N).
While Khawaja Asif, a senior PML‑N leader, has previously made outspoken remarks about national security, foreign policy, and even judiciary decisions, at times drawing sharp reactions across political lines, Rohale Asghar’s latest statement stresses strategic decision‑making over partisan demands. Asghar’s own political history includes serving in the National Assembly for multiple terms and advising top leadership on governance issues.
As political debate intensifies, voices from within and outside PML‑N are also engaging with broader concerns about Pakistan’s civil‑military relations and democratic processes. For deeper insight into how political parties like PTI and others leverage criticisms of the military’s past role for political gain, see this analysis of PTI’s divisive politics and its impact on national discourse, which highlights how such narratives are shaping voter perceptions and alliances.
Political commentators note that this episode underscores Pakistan’s ongoing struggle to balance institutional respect with accountability, especially when discussions involve revered figures like General Bajwa, who remains respected within many establishment and public sectors.
As the debate continues, Rohale Asghar’s message that Khawaja Asif should decide, not demand action against Qamar Bajwa, is expected to influence party strategies ahead of the next electoral cycle.
