Former Prime Minister Imran Khan has categorically rejected any support for PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, following Bilawal’s appeal to PTI workers to back his party in the upcoming general elections on February 8.
“We will not help Bilawal at any cost,” Khan stated during an informal conversation with reporters after attending multiple cases at Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi. He suggested that if Bilawal needed assistance, he should seek support from those he collaborated with during his 16-month rule. Khan emphasized that despite being opponents now, they remain the same.
Imran Khan has been in custody since August 5, 2023, after being sentenced in the Toshakhana case by an accountability court in Islamabad. He faces various charges, including cypher, a £190 million case, and events related to May 9.
The upcoming elections in Pakistan have raised concerns from human rights watchdogs about the fairness of the political landscape for certain parties.
Khan asserted that the current situation is not just politics but a freedom movement. He made a veiled reference to PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif, stating that an absconder is being given VIP protocol.
Addressing the media control issue, Khan claimed that his former principal secretary, a witness in the cypher case, was kidnapped for 40 days, and there were attempts to pressure his wife Bushra Bibi’s ex-husband.
Accusing media control, Khan noted the irony of facing similar allegations when he was in power. He alleged that efforts were being made to crush his party after May 25, 2023.
Imran Khan reiterated accusations against former army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa, claiming that Bajwa sought a National Reconciliation Ordinance (NRO) for political opponents after securing an extension.
“I won’t talk to anyone for power,” Khan declared, adding that Awami Muslim League leader Sheikh Rasheed wasn’t supported because of a press conference.
Expressing readiness for talks on free and fair elections, Khan lamented the lack of an open trial for his cases. He called for dialogue with the establishment, acknowledging their control, and emphasized that he never rejected talks with politicians.
Khan questioned the reasons for supporting PPP, suggesting that political alliances could only be formed with Majlis Wahdat-e-Muslimeen and the Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam faction led by former MNA Muhammad Khan Sherani.
The PTI has urged its supporters to participate in the election campaign on Sunday, according to Khan.
