SIALKOT: Defence Minister Khawaja Asif expressed confidence that the decision regarding the £190 million case will be based on facts, underscoring that the money in question rightfully belonged to the government and the public.

  Speaking to the media after an event in Sialkot, Asif revealed that the funds were diverted by the previous Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government, under the leadership of Imran Khan. He accused the PTI administration of misappropriating the funds, channeling them into businesspersons' accounts instead of the national treasury.  According to Asif, these actions were carried out after obtaining necessary approvals in a sealed envelope, a practice he termed as unprecedented corruption.

Khawaja Asif took the opportunity to harshly criticise the PTI era for its widespread corruption, claiming that such financial mismanagement was not only harmful to the economy but also detrimental to the trust the public places in the government's ability to manage public funds. His statements highlight the ongoing tensions between the current government and the PTI, which has faced numerous allegations of corruption and mismanagement. In addition to addressing the issue of the £190 million, Khawaja Asif also hosted a lunch in honor of the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy-winning cricket team. During the event, he extended his congratulations to the team and pledged to work towards resolving the issues surrounding Sialkot's cricket stadium.

Asif promised to seek the support of the Punjab government to address the stadium’s challenges, emphasizing that the government would make every effort to ensure Sialkot's cricket infrastructure received the necessary attention and resources. The gesture reflected his broader commitment to supporting sports and the local community in Sialkot.