Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan has voiced strong criticisms against the current government, alleging a lack of authority and pressing concerns over the recent budget’s impact on salaried individuals. Speaking informally with the media during the hearing of the £190 million reference at Rawalpindi’s Adiala Jail, Khan articulated his grievances and concerns.
Imran Khan accused the administration of exerting undue pressure on judges who rule in favor of PTI. He cited instances where intelligence agencies allegedly influenced judicial decisions. According to Khan, a judge from Sargodha reported to the Lahore High Court about such pressures, including having his household gas supply cut off as a form of intimidation. Khan claimed that judges who are sympathetic to PTI face immense pressure, which undermines the rule of law.
He further alleged that journalists who speak in favor of PTI are being targeted. Specifically, he mentioned attacks on Raoof Hassan and the torture of Ali Zaman, implicating intelligence agencies in these actions. Khan urged the Chief Justice of Pakistan, Qazi Faez Isa, to uphold the rule of law amidst these interferences.
Despite his criticisms, Khan praised the integrity of certain judges. He commended a judge from Sargodha, six judges from the Islamabad High Court, and three judges from the Supreme Court for their steadfastness in maintaining judicial independence and integrity.
Khan sharply criticized the recent budget, highlighting its adverse effects on salaried individuals. He pointed out that Pakistan needs to generate Rs13 trillion in revenue, with Rs9.8 trillion allocated for debt interest payments. He predicted a necessity to borrow Rs7.5 trillion to cover the budget deficit, warning that the country is already in a dire financial state.
He noted that investment, which is crucial for economic recovery and relies heavily on the rule of law, has plummeted to its lowest in 50 years. Khan warned that the future looks bleak if the current policies continue, emphasizing the additional tax burden on salaried individuals as particularly concerning.
Refuting claims that PTI avoids negotiations, Khan recounted past dialogues, including those during Pervez Musharraf’s regime. However, he argued that negotiations are futile when decisions are made by “higher authorities.” He mentioned a specific instance when PTI negotiated with the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) on the request of ex-Chief Justice Bandial, only to be told that no elections would occur as long as Bandial was in office.
In a stern message to his party, Khan demanded an end to internal groupings, emphasizing that it is a matter of life and death for Pakistan. He warned that he would take strict action against anyone creating factions within PTI, urging unity and solidarity among party members.
When asked by a journalist if he wanted the establishment to appoint a representative for negotiations, Khan did not provide a direct response. Instead, he reiterated his stance on the lack of authority within the current government and the challenges this poses for meaningful dialogue.
