ISLAMABAD: Former prime minister and founder of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), Imran Khan, has expressed dissatisfaction with the investigation into the May 9 incidents under the supervision of the caretaker federal government.
Speaking informally to journalists at the court in Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi on Wednesday, Khan stated that the PTI does not accept the inquiry and suggested that public discontent would be evident on February 8, the day of the upcoming elections.
In reference to the May 9 events, Khan asserted that there had been no independent inquiry. He accused the caretaker government, the establishment, and the Election Commission of collaborating against the PTI. Khan emphasised the need for an independent investigation before apprehending those responsible for stealing CCTV footage related to attacks on GHQ, Jinnah House (Corps Commander house in Lahore), and other facilities.
The PTI founder alleged that CCTV footage of Corps Commander House, GHQ, and Islamabad High Court had been made to disappear. Drawing parallels with the Capitol Hill attack in the United States, Khan highlighted the contrast in swiftly arresting the accused with the help of CCTV footage. He claimed to possess videos showing PTI leader Yasmeen Rashid urging workers not to approach the Corps Commander’s House.
Asserting PTI’s strength, Khan stated that 80 per cent of the army supports PTI. Despite potential rigging on Election Day and snatching election symbols, he declared that the PTI cannot be defeated. Khan accused the powers-that-be of engaging in unprecedented pre-poll rigging, claiming that the people’s anger would manifest on February 8.
Responding to a question about forging deals, Khan stated that his only deal was to ensure clean and transparent elections, emphasising that the establishment’s current approach would harm the country. He characterised the current scenario not as an election but as a freedom struggle.
Regarding the imposition of Section 144, Khan claimed it was a response to his call for protesting against alleged high-handed tactics against PTI. He predicted that PTI would face restrictions in holding public meetings and rallies under Section 144.
Khan claimed low attendance at Nawaz Sharif’s rallies, asserting that PTI slogans were resonating even there. “Nawaz Sharif himself is sitting at home saying that they are selecting me, so there is no need for a campaign,” he remarked.
Addressing PTI candidates, Khan urged readiness and warned that those detained would be swiftly replaced. He accused opponents of hindering PTI’s campaign by restricting the display of his picture and even the mention of “prisoner number 804” on posters.
Khan, currently in prison, asserted his right to vote by applying for a postal ballot. He ruled out any possibility of striking deals with powerful circles, emphasising that the sole deal was to ensure clean and transparent elections in the country. On the issue of a meeting with Sheikh Rashid, Khan clarified that no such meeting occurred as he has been detained in jail. –Agencies
