Khan says Gilani cannot justify serving as PM

Says court charge is to protect the ‘president’s billions’.

Speaking to the media at the Palwala House, Imran said, “contempt of court by Yousaf Raza Gilani was not done to protect the interests of the Pakistani people, it was done simply to protect the billions that Zardari has in Swiss banks.”

In response to a question about whether the money is still in Swiss banks, Imran said, “Even if the money has disappeared from Swiss banks, he [President Zardari] will still be charged for money laundering.”

Former senior vice president of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz, Javed Hashmi, PTI General Secretary Dr Arif Alvi and PTI Sindh President Naeem-ul Haq, on the occasion, announced the joining of new members from the PML-N Karachi division.

Imran Khan tried to quash rumours sparked by his meeting with Muttahida Qaumi Movement members, “it was Dr Arif Alvi’s daughter’s wedding and they were invited as guests, we talked, but not in a political capacity. PTI will not form an alliance with any party that has corruption cases against them or those parties that conduct politics through guns.”

The PTI claims to hold a principled stance when it comes to forming alliances with parties, but says it believes in talking to anyone and everyone in politics. “We won’t be a political island that does not engage with other parties.”

Pressed by the media on PTI’s possible ties with the controversial Difa-e-Pakistan Council, which includes the support of some banned organisations, Imran said, “Our aim is to include all the stakeholders in political discussions and I don’t see anything wrong with our members representing our point of view at their rallies.” Imran dodged a question about the Difa-e-Pakistan having banned organisations within it, or as its allies.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 14^th, 2012.