Following pressure on his party due to arrests and defections following the May 9 violence, former Prime Minister Imran Khan disclosed that certain PTI leaders were still in communication with the establishment.
Addressing reporters at Adiala Jail after the hearing of the Al-Qadir Trust case, Khan suggested his readiness to engage in dialogue with any party for the country’s betterment.
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While implying that he was open to discussions, Khan cited his past meetings with former army chief Qamar Javed Bajwa, whom he later accused of playing a role in the downfall of the PTI government in April 2022. He emphasized the need for such talks amidst the country’s challenging circumstances.
Khan stated that a few PTI leaders remained in contact with the establishment, presumably for negotiations, although he did not provide further details. He alleged that the PTI’s mandate had been compromised and efforts were underway to seize control of the party.
Addressing the targeting of his spouse, Bushra Bibi, Khan asserted that those pointing fingers at her were aiming to dismantle the party.
Despite his government’s removal, Khan asserted that he never engaged in confrontation with the military, alluding to his relationship with the former COAS. He claimed that the ex-army chief betrayed him, though he refrained from taking action against him.
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Khan accused former Gen Bajwa of involvement in a US-backed conspiracy to remove him from office, a sentiment he previously expressed around the time of his ouster.
During his media briefing, Khan alleged that police entered his bedroom on August 5 last year to detain him, seized his passport and chequebook, and claimed that intelligence agencies pressured his staff to testify against him.
He likened the current situation in the country to that of the 1970s. Regarding the incumbent government, Khan claimed that the “king” remained in the background while Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi acted as his viceroy, asserting that Shehbaz Sharif held no authority.
Meanwhile, the accountability court proceeded with witness testimonies, with five prosecution witnesses cross-examined by the defence counsel on Saturday. The case is set to resume after the Eid holidays.