ISLAMABAD: Imprisoned Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder, Imran Khan, has asserted that the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) opted out of the federal cabinet due to skepticism about the sustainability of the current administration.
Addressing reporters from Rawalpindi’s Adiala Jail, Khan criticized what he perceives as a unified front of the establishment, caretaker government, and the Election Commission, labeling their actions as deceitful.
He rebuked Chief Election Commissioner Sikander Sultan Raja as a “dishonest” figure, highlighting his continued tenure despite multiple reports from election monitoring bodies exposing irregularities.
In a forecast of the political and economic landscape, Khan predicted a short lifespan for the new government, projecting a surge in inflation following the signing of a new IMF bailout package.
Having been ousted from power through a parliamentary vote in April 2022, Khan indicated his mental readiness for an extended period of incarceration.
Responding to concerns about strained relations with the military establishment, Khan suggested that efforts were being made to sow discord between his party and the army.
In an effort to rally opposition against alleged election tampering, Khan announced plans to extend invitations to all parties affected by such malpractice to PTI’s upcoming public gathering on March 23, including Maulana Fazlur Rehman of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F), irrespective of his acceptance.
Regarding recent political developments, Khan criticized the absence of Ali Amin Gandapur in a photo-op with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif after securing funds for the province, while defending Dr. Arif Alvi against any accusations, praising his efforts during his presidential tenure.
Reflecting on his past tenure as prime minister, Khan also commented on the recent surge in terrorist activities, advocating for continued engagement with the Afghan government, irrespective of the ruling authority.
He credited his party’s facilitation of peace talks between the Taliban and the United States during their tenure, highlighting assurances from the Afghan government to address the issue of the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) during PTI’s governance.
