ISLAMABAD: Imran Khan, the former prime minister and founder of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), currently detained in Adiala Jail, has expressed his intention to correspond with army chief General Asim Munir regarding the prevailing situation in the country.
The revelation from the deposed prime minister caught many off guard, given his recent refusal to yield to military pressures. He stood firm against calls to apologise for the May 9 events and distanced his party from last year’s violent protests that erupted nationwide following his arrest.
Khan’s defiance follows the recent press conference by the Director General of Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), where he urged those involved in the May 9 protests to seek forgiveness and abandon the politics of “anarchy” before engaging in dialogue. The military spokesperson categorically dismissed the prospect of dialogue with individuals who targeted military installations and disrespected the nation’s martyrs.
Addressing the media within Adiala Jail on Monday, Imran Khan expressed his intent to correspond with the army chief regarding the country’s state. He asserted, “A government must be formed in accordance with the public mandate, without which the country cannot function.”
Khan highlighted the dire economic situation, citing a staggering Rs13.3 trillion in tax collection contrasted with Rs9.3 trillion paid in loan interest. He queried, “How can a nation of 240 million people sustain under such conditions?” Predicting further increases in electricity and gas prices ahead of the budget, Khan warned of impending turmoil for the salaried class. Expressing concern over ongoing protests in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) against inflated power bills, Khan lamented what he perceived as the demise of democracy in the country. He cited recent governmental changes in AJK and Gilgit-Baltistan where his party’s government were recently ousted and predicted further unrest due to increased taxes and utility bills in the upcoming budget.
Regarding allegations against him, Khan addressed the matter of a £190 million contract, attributing secrecy demands to a property tycoon and the UK’s National Crime Agency (NCA). He clarified that the funds seized in the UK were due to suspicious transactions, not money laundering. Khan underscored the losses incurred by Pakistan in foreign court cases and defended the allocation of funds to Al-Qadir Trust University.
He said that Nawaz Sharif bought a bullet-proof car for only Rs600,000 from Toshakhana (the state’s gift depository), and still he is believed to absolved of all charges. He said Zardari took three vehicles from Toshakhana, and he is seeking immunity from the court. Khan said Hasan Sharif sold property worth 18 billion rupees, and no one is discussing it. He mentioned a fourth case related to Toshakhana that is forthcoming against him. “I will not depart the country like Zardari and Nawaz Sharif… they possess palaces abroad and engage in shopping there,” he said.
Responding to questions about Shahzad Akbar and Farah Gogi, Khan clarified he had only met thrice with Gogi as she was related to his wife, Bushra Bibi, and hinted at repercussions for Akbar upon his return to the country.
“In current circumstances, if Shahzad Akbar comes [back to the country], he will be picked up from the airport… there is a law of the jungle in the country, and the king of the jungle is running everything,” he said in a veiled reference to army chief.
Khan acknowledged that the firebrand party leader, Sher Afzal Marwat, had contributed significantly to the party’s efforts. Nonetheless, he said Marwat had been cautioned multiple times against breaching party policy.
Explaining the dynamics within a political party, Khan stated, “The conflict lies with external forces; there should be unity within the party… Yet, Sher Afzal persistently targeted party leaders, undermining discipline. When a party remains disciplined, it thrives; otherwise, it becomes akin to the elephant of Porus.”
Highlighting a specific incident, Khan noted Marwat’s contentious statement during a visit by the Saudi delegation. He underscored the significance of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman convening the OIC conference twice at Khan’s request during his premiership.
Regarding Marwat’s overall contributions, Khan recognised his efforts for the party but stressed the importance of adhering to party policies. “Even if he conforms to the party’s guidelines, there’s no issue… He’s been served a notice, and if he responds, that would be satisfactory,” Khan remarked.
When asked whether he would entertain the idea of meeting Marwat in jail, the PTI founder declined to comment, leaving reporters without a response. –Agencies
