Imran asks ISPR to 'listen carefully' as he calls out senior military official again

Every citizen should be respected not just 'one institution', says Imran

ISLAMABAD:

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chief Imran Khan told the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) on Tuesday to ‘listen carefully’ as he once again held a senior military official responsible for the assassination attempts on his life.

Prior to a court appearance, the former premier lambasted the military’s media wing a day after the Pakistan Army lashed out at Imran, saying that he levelled "highly irresponsible and baseless allegation" against a serving senior military officer without any evidence.

"This fabricated and malicious allegation is extremely unfortunate, deplorable and unacceptable. This has been a consistent pattern for the last year wherein military and intelligence agencies officials are targeted with insinuations and sensational propaganda for the furtherance of political objectives," the military’s media wing said.

"Before I leave, I want to say two things. First, the ISPR issued a statement saying that the institution has been disrespected and the army has been disrespected by naming an officer that has tried to have me killed twice," said Imran in a video message prior to his court appearance today. 

"ISPR sahib, listen to me carefully. Respect is not only reserved for one institution, respect should be for every citizen."

My reply to ISPR & attempts by PDM & their handlers to arrest me for two reasons: 1. To prevent me from campaigning bec InshaAllah when elections are announced I will be doing jalsas. 2. To prevent me from mobilising the masses for street movement in support of Constitution if… pic.twitter.com/IQIQmFERah

— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) May 9, 2023

Elaborating on the alleged attempts on his life, Imran stated that police officers who were part of the joint investigation team (JIT) probing the Wazirabad incident “refused” to become a part of "our investigation". 

"Who was behind it? Who was so powerful?"

“When it was proven in the JIT that there were three shooters at the scene, versus their claims of a single shooter, the JIT was sabotaged as four Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) officials changed their statements,” he said, adding that the prosecutor general had said there should be action against the four officials for ruining the investigation.

Imran again questioned who was behind the move and who was powerful enough to orchestrate such events.

Commenting on the second alleged assassination attempt at the federal capital's judicial complex, the PTI chief said he can “prove” that the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) personnel took over the premises the night before, and further stated that he would also “prove” that ISI officials were present at the premises and were disguised as CTD officials and lawyers.

Imran, in his scathing rejoinder, further claimed that he can also "prove" that an army brigadier was present and was "monitoring everything".

Asking about the purpose of the country's premier intelligence agency's alleged presence at the judicial complex, the ousted premier reiterated that he would "prove" that there was another plan to assassinate him.

“This man and his gang were named by Arshad Sharif’s mother in his murder case but no investigation ensued,” the PTI chief said referring to the senior intelligence official. He maintained that “no one dared to step forward because the official was above the law”.

Giving an analogy of Shaukat Khanum Hospital, Imran stated that an institution gains credibility if it takes action against its “black sheep”, adding that catching the “corrupt” is what makes the institution stronger.

“Why is it that when an army officer is named, it is an insult to the army,” 

"It's my army, it is our Pakistan. It does not belong to you only. We may care about it more than you."

Referring to his appearance in court today, Imran said there is no need to "waste the country's money" by deploying police and paramilitary personnel for the hearing. 

"If someone has a warrant, they should bring it to me...I am ready to go to jail."

He added that there was no need to shut down the city and react as if a notable criminal was appearing in court. "Please, there is no need for drama...there is no case against me. But I am mentally ready, if you want to put me in prison, I am ready."

Imran referring to the senior intelligence official as 'dirty Harry', alleged that he "has a whole gang with him and the people know who these officials are because this is the era of social media”.

"If God wills that they will take my life, I am also ready for that," said the PTI chief. 

He then asked the incumbent rulers, who are making "so much money and enjoying power", if they "were ready". 

"Maybe not a large number of people will come out on the streets, but maybe it can also transpire that...if the people lose their patience then you all will be in hiding," warned the PTI chief. 

"You should also ready yourself, as I am ready. In the end, if we have to be slaves to such dacoits, I pray to Allah that He takes me back. Death is preferred to such slavery."