Imran Khan, former Pakistani Prime Minister and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party chief, spoke recently with foreign media representatives about the current political situation. In reference to his removal from power last year by an opposition no-confidence vote, he stated that the nation has for the first time ever refused a “regime change operation.”
According to Khan, the upcoming elections will be rigged, adding that those responsible for the atrocities committed against PTI workers on May 25th have been appointed to offices in Punjab. He highlighted that the Constitution clearly stipulates that elections must be held within 90 days of the dissolution of assemblies.
Regarding the arrests of PTI leaders, Khan criticized the caretaker governments in Punjab and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, calling it unprecedented in the history of the country. He claimed that the policy of former army chief, General (Retd) Qamar Javed Bajwa, is still in place, and that without the rule of law, the country cannot move forward.
Additionally, Khan stated that the establishment was not a one-man show, and that a new army chief would bring with him his own policies. As a result, he claimed the former army chief Bajwa had hired Hussain Haqqani and others to lobby against him in the United States.
Khan admitted to making a big mistake in giving Bajwa an extension, calling it a “blunder.” and blamed the coalition government for the economic meltdown, citing the devaluation of the rupee and the rise in petrol and other commodity prices.
In response to a question regarding the Toshakhana case, Khan explained that the government has been caught by surprise after the court requested information regarding the state gift depository, which has not yet been provided. He denied any contact with PML-N supremo and former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, stating that Sharif wants him to be disqualified.
Defending his recent announcement of launching “Jail Bharo Tehreek” (fill the jails movement), Khan stated that it was a peaceful way of staging a protest. Despite the fact that the current Afghan Taliban-led government does not oppose Pakistan, he emphasized that the country cannot afford terrorism.
According to Khan, the country faces major challenges, and the rule of law must be established to overcome them. He urged the international community to take notice of the current situation in Pakistan and support the country in overcoming these challenges.
