Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has alleged that Israel has been supporting former prime minister Imran Khan since the 1990s.

In a video statement that was aired on PTV News, the defence minister claimed that Khan’s support for Israel has been ongoing for decades. “Imran Khan once ran an election campaign backed by a Jewish individual.”

His comments came as supporters of PTI gathered for the party rally in Islamabad amid the capital city administration’s measures to ensure security.

Strict security measures have been implemented, with 29 locations in the city sealed off and various entry and exit routes blocked with containers.

Mobile phone and internet services have been shut down for security at the rally site, causing difficulties for citizens due to the suspension of the Metro Bus service. Reports indicate that explosive materials have also been recovered from the venue.

Asif added that Israeli media has been writing in favour of Khan, revealing that “Israel has politically adopted him.”

He said: “Imran Khan still stands with the butchers of Gaza and has not spoken out against them.”

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The defence minister was speaking about a blog published in the Israeli newspaper, Times of Israel, on Saturday that suggested that Khan could play a “significant role” in improving relations between Pakistan and Israel.

The blog, written by researcher Aynur Bashirova from Azerbaijan, claimed that Khan has reached out to Israel through the Goldsmith family.