'Imran seeks US backing to reclaim power'

He lambasted Imran for his "self-centered approach"

Minister for Defense Khawaja Asif has claimed that former prime minister Imran Khan was "created" by the country's establishment and that now the PTI's incarcerated founder wants to come back into power with the support of the United States.

Addressing a press conference in London, Asif, who is a senior leader of the ruling PML-N, lambasted Imran for his "self-centered approach" and his alleged will to damage the state just for political mileage.

He said May 9, 2023 incidents of vandalism were planned ahead of Imran's arrest in a corruption case. Asif said the PTI workers attacked a number of defense installations and sensitive buildings across the country in a coordinated manner.

Referring to the conviction of 25 rioters after their trial by military courts, Asif claimed that the court verdicts had exposed the crimes committed by the PTI on May 9. He said more such verdicts were on their way.

"The sentencing of May 9 culprits by military courts is a milestone for Pakistan, marking a critical step in cleansing politics of elements willing to sacrifice the nation for their own political ambitions," he said.

The minister claimed that Imran Khan has always been a product of the establishment.

He said former army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa wanted to sideline former PM Nawaz Sharif by bringing Imran Khan into power. He said he was personally approached regarding the "Minus Nawaz" plan and had a meeting on the matter with the permission of the PML-N leadership.

Asif accused Imran of seeking support from foreign powers, particularly the United States, to regain power. "But Pakistan knows how to defend its sovereignty against any external interference," he added.