Defence Minister Khawaja Asif harshly criticized Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan, accusing the opposition party of seeking help from new figures of authority following the retirement of former army chief Qamar Javed Bajwa, as reported by Geo News.

Addressing the National Assembly, the senior Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader said, “Hardly anyone has licked as many shoes as the PTI founder.” Khawaja Asif referred to remarks made by Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party (IPP) leader Aun Chaudhry, alleging that Imran Khan was once transported to General (retd) Amjad Awan’s house hidden in a car trunk and made desperate pleas for relief.

“After Bajwa sahib, they [PTI] are now trying to hold the feet of someone else. Hardly anyone has ‘licked’ as many shoes as the PTI founder,” the federal minister said, quoted by Geo News.

These comments came in response to PTI Secretary-General Omar Ayub Khan’s speech in the lower house of Parliament, where he criticized the federal government for presenting a budget he claimed was against the nation’s interests. “This budget was made by an economic hitman,” said Mr. Ayub, who also serves as the Opposition Leader in the National Assembly.

Khawaja Asif responded by mocking Mr. Ayub’s speech, recalling how Ayub had previously praised PML-N leaders Nawaz and Shehbaz Sharif in the same manner he now hails PTI founder Imran Khan.

The Defence Minister also stated that the PML-N would consider welcoming the PTI back if it apologized for the May 9 riots that erupted following the arrest of former Prime Minister Imran Khan.

Additionally, Khawaja Asif criticized the opposition party for writing to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), asking the global lender to link funding to an audit of alleged election rigging. “After being ousted from power, the PTI wanted the country to default,” he added, as reported by Geo News.