Khawaja Asif
Politician, Defence Minister
- Nationality:
- Pakistani
- Category:
- Politician
- Verified source:
- Wikipedia
Biography
Khawaja Muhammad Asif is a veteran Pakistani politician of the PML-N who serves as the Minister for Defence. Born on 9 August 1949 in Sialkot, he is a lawyer by training and has been a member of the National Assembly for decades, representing his native Sialkot constituency.
Political career
Khawaja Asif has held several key portfolios: Minister for Water and Power (2013-2017), where he faced the challenges of the country's energy crisis, Foreign Minister (2017-2018), and Minister for Defence since 2024. He is regarded as one of the PML-N's most seasoned parliamentarians and a sharp debater in the National Assembly.
His career has also included significant legal battles: he was disqualified by the Supreme Court in 2017 over the Iqama case, reinstated in 2018, and has faced periodic legal proceedings. He has been a consistent advocate for strengthening Pakistan's defence and nuclear programme and has represented Pakistan in regional diplomacy.
Legacy
Khawaja Asif is respected across the aisle as one of the most experienced and outspoken leaders in Pakistani politics, with a career spanning the country's major political eras. He remains a central figure in the federal cabinet.
Notable Works
| Title | Role / Note | Year | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minister for Defence | Minister | 2024 | office |
| Minister for Foreign Affairs | FM | 2017 | office |
| Minister for Water & Power | Minister | 2013 | office |
Awards & Honours
Defence Minister of Pakistan (2024-present); former Foreign and Water Resources Minister