Imran smells conspiracy against him

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan has alleged that the "entire drama" surrounding former spymaster Lt Gen Faiz Hameed's arrest was designed to push him into a military court.

He cast doubt on the ongoing investigation targeting the former Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) chief in connection with the May 9 unrest, alleging that the authorities were trying to squeeze a confession out of him and were pushing him to claim that the day's events were part of a grand conspiracy.

However, Imran maintained that if General Hameed had ordered his arrest or was involved in the theft of May 9 CCTV footage, then he must face the music.

During an informal conversation with journalists at Adiala Jail on Monday, the incarcerated former prime minister expressed concerns that the ex-ISI chief might be coerced into becoming a state witness against him.

"It is being said that General Hameed was the mastermind behind the events of May 9. It seems like they're going to make him a witness against me," he said.

He claimed that since all the other cases against him had collapsed, "so now they're trying to drag me into military courts".

The PTI chief also lamented that despite the fact that he himself had been a target of regime change, he had been the one thrown in jail. "They shamelessly say Gen Hameed was giving orders to Bushra Bibi. They're scared that if [CJP] Qazi Faez Isa leaves, the election rigging will be exposed."

He accused former army chief General (retd) Qamar Javed Bajwa of betrayal, alleging that he conspired with PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif to remove General Faiz from his position.

When asked why he, a staunch defender of the former spymaster, might fear him turning approver, he replied, "I have no concern if he testifies against me. My only point is that General Hameed had been negotiating with the Taliban for three years, and it was unjust to remove him".

Addressing concerns about his party's future amid rumours of internal discord, Imran confidently stated, "They can do whatever they want, but our party is growing stronger every day".

When questioned about his tenure as prime minister, where he reportedly struggled with appointments, including the army chief, DG ISI, and even an office boy, he acknowledged his unwavering support for General Bajwa but claimed that he was misled about the capabilities of Corps Commanders.