Pakistan’s Defense Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif has pointed fingers at the “politician-bureaucracy nexus,” claiming it is the root cause of the country’s recurring crises.

Speaking during Aik News program “Jawab Do”, he expressed concern over poor planning, compromised decision-making, and misplaced priorities that have left citizens vulnerable to disasters.

Highlighting the devastation caused by recent floods, the minister revealed that around 65 percent of the city was affected by floodwater, while in many areas the water level has now receded. “Drains passing through the city have seen water levels drop, but where the flood swept away everything, recovery will take time,” Asif explained. He added that local administration, volunteers, and welfare organizations were working tirelessly to assist affected families, but full rehabilitation would require patience.

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Khawaja Asif lamented that thousands of livestock were washed away, and people suffered financial losses worth billions. He criticized unchecked urban development, pointing out that rivers and waterways inside cities have been blocked by unplanned housing colonies.

“We knew everything that was happening, yet we never made proper plans. Even when planning was done, it was compromised. National and local interests were ignored in favor of personal gain,” he said.

The defense minister stressed that before criticizing India, Pakistan must fix its own internal problems. “Don’t place this issue on India’s doorstep. First put your own house in order,” he remarked.

Drawing a comparison with the military, Asif noted that the army had prepared in advance and managed the situation effectively. “The army had done its homework, that’s why the results were visible. India is still nursing its wounds, but what complaints can we have from an enemy? The real disappointment comes from our own people,” he added.