LAHORE: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf Chairman Imran Khan has said that the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) is behaving like a mafia and trying to blackmail the Supreme Court after the decision of the elections in Punjab.
Addressing the nation on the occasion of his party’s Thanksgiving Day on Wednesday in celebration of the Supreme Court’s decision, the PTI chief said that it is the tradition of the Sharifs that whenever a decision comes in their favor, they welcome it. And when something goes against them, they start acting like this. The mafia is blackmailing institutions by putting pressure on them. He said that injustice is the root of backwardness of the nation. Praising the judges of the Supreme Court, Imran said that they delivered justice and stood by the constitution of Pakistan despite severe pressure.
The former prime minister said that when the PTI government was dismissed, they accepted the Supreme Court verdict and respected it despite reservations. He said that PTI had then demanded fresh elections, which was the only solution to put Pakistan on the right track.
On this, Imran added that political rivals started demanding the PTI leadership to dissolve the provincial assemblies where it was in power. He said that the PTI also took the step after which the incumbent rulers started opposing fresh elections as they sensed defeat after their party’s heavy gains in the by-elections.
Imran said that it is the result of his struggle that the country cannot stand on its own feet unless there is rule of law.
Citing the example of Denmark, he said that the European nation was far ahead of Pakistan because its justice system was strong and reliable. On the other hand, the person convicted by the Pakistani courts was sitting in London and was not ready to obey the constitution. He said that Nawaz and Zardari are deciding the fate of Pakistan while living in London and Dubai while their children are acting as their representatives here.
The PTI chief asked the establishment that if elections are held in October, what will be the benefit of the country? He said that elections are the only solution to the current challenges facing the country, adding that the economy can improve only if elections are held on time.
Imran warned that as per the order of the Supreme Court, if any attempt is made to obstruct the election, the entire nation will come to the streets. He said that the struggle for justice has been declared by God as farz (compulsory), adding that “if we allow these people to succeed, God will not forgive us”.
Imran Khan said that only the rule of law can save Pakistan and said that if the rulers do not obey the constitution, we will leave our homes to resist them. Imran said that only free and transparent elections, judicial, governance, civil service reforms, rule of law can guarantee a good future for Pakistan. He also urged overseas Pakistanis to invest in Pakistan.
Condemning the statement of People’s Party Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, the former prime minister said that those who support martial law have nothing to do with Pakistan. He said that Bilawal’s own grandfather was executed under martial law and added that when these people feel that they are losing power, they start saying that democracy is in danger.
Imran Khan said that he is doing everything possible against the Constitution of Pakistan for his own interests. He said that his attempt to divide the Supreme Court is one such example.
The PTI Chairman expressed regret that the ruling alliance is trying to create a rift between the country’s largest political party and the establishment of the Pakistan Army. They were trying their best to defame Pakistan Army. He said that an attempt was made on his life in which he survived.
Is it in the interest of the country? I repeat, they have no stake in Pakistan. Their wealth, vacations, surgeries, everything is related to abroad,” said the former prime minister.
Imran said that the day these rulers came to power, the value of the Pakistani rupee had fallen sharply, adding that they had no interest in Pakistan’s economy.
Criticizing the government’s mismanagement of flour distribution, he said that around 20 people have been killed, and the poor people are also being humiliated.
Also, in a statement issued on Wednesday, Imran Khan expressed his apprehension that the ruling mafia will not hold elections despite the Supreme Court’s verdict in the Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) election delay case.
The PTI Chairman said that the decision of the Supreme Court is a big step towards real freedom. After the decision of the Supreme Court, he announced to celebrate Thanksgiving Day in more than 75 cities of the four provinces.
