Army generals didn't help PTI come to power: PM Imran

Addresses party's 23rd foundation day ceremony in Islamabad

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Prime Minister Imran Khan on Wednesday hit out at the opposition saying that his party, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), came into power through its own performance rather than help from any army general.

"No general Jilani brought the PTI up," he said, while addressing a convention to mark 22nd anniversary of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf in the federal capital.

The PTI chief said it was shameful to see PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif not bringing the country's health sector up to international standards. "That is why he wants to go overseas for treatment," he said.

The premier reiterated that under no circumstances would a deal be struck with opposition parties, saying accountability proceedings against its leadership shall continue.

"There are ups and downs in life just like politics... party leaders have left but I never lost my resolve to bring change in Pakistan," he said, referring to his 23-year-old struggle, adding that, faith is extremely important to achieve anything in life.

"Before my eyes I saw how our country went down from the heights it once reached," he said.

The premier added that he had faced many adversities in his political career but always came out stronger. "People would ridicule us even when the party was founded for our humble beginnings," he said. "I want to laud all those who have stood by my side, adding that "struggles only increase your mettle to work harder".

Pakistani youth, PM Imran added, must learn from the society created under the leadership of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) in the state of Medina.

He blamed the previous government's for the country's worrying economic situation, and justified the increase in petroleum prices. "It is not as simple they [opposition] is making it out to be, we needed to increase petrol prices as the international rates have risen."

The opposition, PM Imran said, was unduly criticising the government to "cover the corruption done during their respective tenures at the helm".