Undeterred Imran takes aim at establishment
PTI chairman and deposed premier Imran Khan on Saturday maintained if the country’s economy fell further, the nation would hold the security establishment responsible for it.
Addressing a mammoth public gathering at Jinnah Stadium in Gujranwala, the PTI chief claimed there was still time to bring the country out of its economic quagmire.
“If the economy is weakened, the national security will be at stake. No country will come to save us but the 10 million overseas Pakistanis,” he added.
“All economic woes of the country will be resolved if we could attract their [Pakistani diaspora] investment,” he maintained.
The PTI chairman said he had always respected the Islamabad High Court for its wise decisions.
“I am not saying this because my case is being heard in the court but I truly acknowledge its judgments,” he added.
He claimed that this was despite the fact that the court did not allow him to speak otherwise, he might have had a chance to present his viewpoint and clear his position.
He added that he would accept whatever verdict the IHC handed down.
The PTI chief clarified that his remarks on his ‘controversial’ speech were not against the judge but over the “inhuman” attitude against his aide Shahbaz Gill, who was neither a killer, nor a terrorist but brutally tortured in custody.
He also played Gill’s video at the public gathering and said his reaction was over the “brutality” against his aide.
The former premier maintained that those who had hatched a conspiracy against his government were now trying to disqualify him.
He added that dozens of cases, even those related to terrorism and blasphemy, had been registered against him.
The PTI chief claimed that earlier, with the help of ‘Mr X’ and teaming up with the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) and administration, the “imported rulers” tried their best to rig the July 17 by-election but failed miserably.
“Now they have run away from a by-election just a couple of days before the schedule because they know it would be impossible to defeat the PTI through votes,” he added.
Imran said he had directed all district organisations of his party to prepare for his call for protests.
“If the imported government doesn’t announce general elections in Pakistan, the entire nation will stage a peaceful protest in all parts of the country,” he warned.
“I am thankful to the Almighty who has awakened the nation. I have never witnessed such an awakening in my lifetime. The people of Pakistan are aware and ready for ‘real independence,” he added.
Imran asked the youth that he needed their support for his struggle for 'real independence’ and underscored the need for the rule of law and justice in the country.
“I am ready to sacrifice my life for 'real independence in the country. Jail is a small matter if the country achieves ‘real independence,” he added.
The PTI chief reiterated that his government was sent packing on the pretext of inflation.
“In fact, the country’s economy was growing at the highest rate in 17 years. The country’s exports were at the highest level. Remittances were at record levels. A conspiracy was hatched against my government because I was not ready to accept the slavery of foreign powers. India was buying 40% cheaper oil from Russia but Pakistan could not avail this opportunity,” he claimed.
Earlier during a short address at the Gujranwala Bar Association, Imran said: “I need lawyers for my struggle for ‘real independence’. The country is under the control of big thieves.”
He added that lawyers, including the Quaid-e-Azam and Allama Iqbal, also worked for the independence of the country.
“Now it is your duty to work for ‘real independence' in the country. InshahAllah, we will work together for it,” he told the legal fraternity.
PTI Vice Chairman Shah Mahmood Qureshi, Central Punjab President Dr Yasmin Rashid, Central Punjab General Secretary Hammad Azhar and other senior party leaders were also present on the occasion.