Asif addressed the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) gathering held in Sialkot to show support for the military forces and said that Imran Khan carried out the attack just for the purpose of consolidating his authority. "On May 9, an attempt was made to destroy Pakistan," he added.
The minister mourned how the relatives and heirs of the martyrs would have felt when a bunch of vandals destroyed the revered memorials.
Asif remarked, "I never question anyone's loyalty, but I question the motives of those who directed the attacks on May 9."
Prior to performing prayers, the minister paid a visit to the Yadgar-e-Shuhada (martyrs memorial) in Chawinda and placed flowers on the martyrs' graves.
He said that they had gone to the martyrs' memorial to honor their courage in overcoming the Indian army.
Asif remarked, "I pay tribute to those who gave their lives in defense of the country."
He urged the public to show their respect for the military and let go of the memory of what transpired on May 9, saying, "They are including external elements in targeting the armed forces."
Asif said that the Pakistani Army was still standing strong like a mountain, even though brave troops were giving their lives in service to their dear country.
In order to highlight the nation's unity and honor the sacrifices made by the Pakistani military, he said that there was a need to display solidarity.
On May 9, riots broke out all throughout Pakistan as a result of Khan's detention when he was appearing before the Islamabad High Court for a number of matters that had been outstanding since his ouster the previous year.
In Charsadda, Karachi, Lahore, and other places, the workers also destroyed public property and burned down police cars as the party urged followers to "shut down Pakistan" in response to his detention.
During the days-long demonstrations, at least 10 people died and several more were injured. Internet connectivity was also blocked nationwide for more than 72 hours.