"I was hoping the entire nation would be on same page and that we would show a stern reaction to America," Imran said. PHOTO: FILE
"I was hoping the entire nation, including the media and opposition, would come on to the same page and that we would show a strong reaction to America," Imran said. He accused the US government of 'droning' Pakistan's peace process when a drone strike killed Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan leader Hakimullah Mehsud, hours before peace talks with political parties were to commence.
"I am disappointed," he continued, "instead of the nation coming on one page to single out the US [over the sabotage to the peace process] and tell them, and I am telling the Prime Minister that he too should have taken a stand, I have seen a divided nation. And people like us who are backing the peace process are labelled as Baitullah's supporters."
"This is perhaps the most difficult time for Pakistan," he said, "How can we move forward if talks are not moving forward?"
He emphasised the need for Pakistan to present a united front so that drone strikes are discontinued, and noted that the attacks had only served to divide Pakistanis.
Crunching Numbers
The PTI chairman also bemoaned the expenses of engaging in the war against militants, which he emphasised Pakistan should never have taken on at the behest of America.
Pakistan is spending Rs90 billion per month on war, he said, adding that the money could instead have been used on education and health.
Correction: An earlier version of the article was not clear over Imran's disappointment over public's reaction. The point has been made clearer.
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