Govt tweaking Constitution to protect 'umpires': Imran

Says amendments aim to protect fraudulent election, stall May 9 probe

RAWALPINDI:

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf founder Imran Khan has accused the government of pushing to amend the Constitution at all costs to extend the terms of "three umpires" in order to protect fraud elections.

Talking to media persons after a hearing in the pounds 190 million case at Adiala Jail, the PTI supremo said the government is determined to introduce constitutional amendments to benefit the three umpires - including CJP, IHC CJ and CEC. He noted that despite their involvement, the government lost, and is now seeking extensions to protect fraudulent election results.

When it was suggested that the matter of constitutional amendments has died down, he disagreed, saying the government is gearing up for the constitutional amendment and they will do it at all costs.

When a journalist sought his comments on the defiant stance of JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman, the PTI founder initially avoided commenting, but later said all forces must unite to safeguard democracy. He added that it was good if Maulana was taking a stand for democracy.

In a veiled reference to the government and establishment, Imran Khan claimed there were concerns that if Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa were to retire, investigations into the May 9 events and the alleged rigged elections would be revealed. He reiterated that there had been an attempt on May 9 to dismantle PTI, and that the delay of elections, in violation of the Constitution, was part of a strategy to weaken his party.

"They are afraid of new chief justice who will order for the May 9 probe," said Imran, adding, "the purpose of dragging me after arrest on May 9 was to incite people." The PTI founder pointed out the CCTV footage of May 9 was removed, adding when the petition for probe into the May 9 events is heard by the new CJP, everything will become crystal clear.

Imran Khan said February 8 elections were conducted after crushing PTI, however, the outcome of the elections was beyond their expectations. PTI won the elections without enjoying the level playing field. Yasmin Rashid defeated PML-N President Nawaz Sharif despite being detained in jail. He claimed that 74,000 bogus votes were cast in favour of Nawaz Sharif.

"Three chief justices formulated the Hamoodur Rehman Commission report. As per report, Yahya Khan ruined democracy to stay in power," said Imran Khan, adding the country is once again being pushed to that point for the sake of power.

He urged the nation to leave for Lahore rally after burning their boats, adding the authorities have launched a crackdown on party leaders and workers to foil the PTI rally. He vowed that PTI would organize Lahore rally, come what may. He highlighted that the supremacy of law was being undermined, adding investment cannot thrive in a country lacking rule of law as both are interlinked.

He asserted that investors were leaving the country due to poor conditions, adding around 4,000 Pakistani companies have registered themselves with Dubai Chambers.

He said the overseas Pakistanis are avoiding investing in the country due to the absence of the rule of law. They are the assets of the country and their investment is crucial for steering the country out of debt. He said expenditures can be curtailed and income increased through reforms, asking the government's initiatives to introduce reforms and austerity.

He said the government cannot impose taxes on the "big fish" because they are part of the mafia. He alleged that the mastermind behind the events of May 9 is responsible for the current situation.