Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan on Saturday said he was ready to “forgive” those who had planned an “attack” against him — in November last year — when he had started campaigning in two provinces — Khyber Pakhtunkhwa; And Punjab
Khan was shot in the legs on November 3 as he led a protest march to Islamabad waving to crowds from a truck-mounted container to pressure the government to call early elections. .
The rally was cut short in Rawalpindi, where Khan announced his plan to dissolve the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab Assemblies – which took effect last month.
The PTI chief – whose government was ousted in April last year – had accused Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif, Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah and an army officer of being involved in the alleged assassination plot.
Since his ouster, the PTI chief has criticized the military, the Pakistan Democratic Movement-led government, and other institutions for their involvement in an alleged conspiracy to oust his party from power.
But toning down his rhetoric in an address to activists via video link, the ousted prime minister – who has called the current rulers “bandits” – said he was ready to “mend fences with everyone”.
Expressing his willingness to talk, Khan said that a politician talks to everyone. However, he spoke against a deal with those who stole the nation’s money.
“General Bajwa asked them to give NRO [National Reconciliation Ordinance]. Who am I to forgive them for stealing people’s money?” asked the former prime minister.
But then he went on to say that he was “ready to talk to everyone”.
Comparing himself to former South African President Nelson Mandela, Khan said he knew all those involved in the assassination attempt against him but was ready to forgive them.
He said that Nelson Mandela spent 27 years in prison but he forgave everyone.
Considering the current situation in the country, the politician stressed on unity and stressed the need for reforms in the judiciary.
‘Fresh elections are the sole solution’
The general elections in Punjab will be held on April 30, while the date for the elections in KP is yet to be announced as Governor Ghulam Ali has not taken any decision yet.
In the light of the split decision of the Supreme Court, President Arif Alvi announced the date of elections in Punjab after consulting the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP). But the KP Governor is yet to “open” the letter that the ECP has sent to his office.
Addressing his party workers and the nation, Khan reiterated that fresh elections are the only solution to the current crisis facing the country.
Praising the Supreme Court, the ousted prime minister said that the Supreme Court took action because the Governors and the Election Commission of Pakistan did not announce the date of general elections in Punjab and KP.
“So far 74 cases have been registered against me,” Khan said, adding that the establishment had asked his party workers and leaders to join the PML-N because they had crossed him. It was installed.
Stressing the need for fresh elections, Khan said instability would not end until a government with a popular mandate was elected in the country.
After the Supreme Court verdict, I was sure that they would hold general elections. Polls are the first step towards getting out of this quagmire,” he said adding that political stability will come from elections and economic stability will come.
Khan said that when a government comes to power with a public mandate, people’s confidence will increase.
Dollar racing to Rs300
Khan claimed that the PDM-led government had dismissed his cases worth Rs 11 billion. “During our time, the [National Accountability Bureau] NAB recovered Rs 480 billion. About Rs 11 billion more were to be recovered but they changed the NAB law, saying now NAB’s job is only to take action against the opposition. Is.
Commenting on the change of government, Khan said that when his government was being toppled, he explained to the then army chief that it would “bring instability to the county”.
In a fresh attack on the ruling government for ruining the state of the economy in the country, Khan said: “Currently inflation is at the highest level in the history of Pakistan. What they have done to the country is now the election.” I have known them for the last 30 years, they cannot control the economy.
The former prime minister said that when his party was in government during Covid-19, there was inflation across the world. He lamented the country’s brain drain due to lack of economic opportunities.
“Around 0.8 million professionals have left the country. This is the level of desperation. On one side there is inflation and on the other side unemployment is increasing,” Khan said.
The cricketer-turned-politician asserted that there will be no stability in the country until a government with a people’s mandate comes to power.
Expressing concerns about dollar appreciation, the PTI chairman said: “There was a lot of noise about bringing the dollar below Rs 200. It is feared that it will reach 300 rupees.
‘Will kick start election drive from next week’
The ousted prime minister said his party would start its election campaign next week, adding that he would issue tickets to candidates this time.
Describing the upcoming elections as the most important elections in the country’s history, the PTI chairman warned that anyone who violates party discipline will be expelled.
“If a person contests as an independent candidate after failing to get a ticket from the party, he will also be expelled from the PTI,” Khan added.
The PTI chairman assured that the candidates who were not given tickets in the general elections will be fielded in the local body elections.
Khan expressed hope that his party would win the elections in Punjab, adding that he would immediately hold local elections in the province after coming to power.
Referring to the recent arrests and police crackdown on PTI workers, the party chairman said the jails strengthened their resolve.
