He said he could dissolve the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Assembly and join hands with PAT chief Dr Tahirul Qadri for revolution in pursuit of justice.
Giving interview to Express News anchor Shahzaib Khanzada on his show, To The Point, Imran said he agreed with 80% of Qadri’s ideas but disagreed with his methodology.
He said his party too would come out to protest if its rigging complaints were not taken seriously and re-elections were not ordered in four constituencies of the National Assembly.
“I have tried to settle the matter through dialogue but if the government does not take action we will be forced to protest”.
Imran said his party had always tried to work for the interests of the people. “I am not afraid of anyone. If Dr Qadri is right we will support him.”
In response to a question, Imran said that Dr Qadri had rightly predicted the last time that elections would not be transparent.
“It was our fault, we admit. We relied on former chief justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry to hold free and fair elections but he did not come up to our expectations,” he said.
Talking about the ongoing military operation, Zarb-e-Azb, against militants in North Waziristan, he claimed that the federal government had not informed the Khyber-Pakhtunkwa (K-P) government beforehand which had led to further chaos amongst the internally displaced people (IDPs).
“They should have let the people prepare for the operation. No one was prepared. Even the K-P chief minister was informed after the operation had begun.”
Imran insisted that the military operation will have its repercussions which the government will have to face in the coming days when the militants carry out their counter attacks.
Blaming the government for the chaos, he said that despite the fact the government did not inform the K-P, the provincial government had supported their step and taken measures to facilitate them.
Criticising the Punjab government, the PTI chief said that other provinces were readily accepting the IDPs but the province which had the most resources was turning them away.
To another question, Imran claimed that the previous government was better than the incumbent Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) government.
“The PML-N has worsened the situation in this one year of their governance. They have hiked the power tariffs, and have just added to the staggering amount of loans.”
Published in The Express Tribune, June 25th, 2014.
COMMENTS (83)
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What can you do in 1 year if your hand is tied behind your back?
What have you got in the last 20 years??
Under the these most critical,uncertain,insecure and miserable conditions created by PML-N's unable,incapable and disable leadership in the country the mid-term elections have been the need of the hour only and only under Pakistan army's observation strictly without any civil administration's interference in any forms and manifestations and must have to be announced to avoid more clashes and collapses in Pakistan......
k@The only Sane: You misunderstood what sadia said. She was being sarcastic.
By looking at the productivity of PMLN and PPP governments I truly believes IK is the last hope for Pakistan.
He did a lot for us individually despite never been in power. He is a symbol of unity in Pakistan even his opponent find him a true Pakistani.
What PMLN and PPP did to this poor nation is speechless. Of course the products of these corrupt era will never accept it though it does't matter because facts are facts and can not be changed at all.
@vaquas:
Seriously? Please ask your srciptwriters in Model Town to check the facts at least... 1800 seats? are you talking about india?
Just to refresh your patwari head, total seats in pakistan are as follow:
342 in National Assembly (but only 272 are directly elected)
371 in Punjab 297 directly elected
124 in KPK 99 directly elected
65 in Baluchistan 51 directly elected
168 in Sindh 130 directly elected
Total National and provincial assembly seats that are directly elected = 849
and who is talking about your "1800" seats? PTI only asking for just verification of 4... simply prove him wrong... but patwaris only have people like Gullu Butts who are not very well informed and they write such bad scripts... and btw where in the world do you see a Prime Minister elected on a typing error?
@vaquas: Very well summarised! wish it was the first comment
It does happen, when you set wrong expectations from the start. Spending to the tune of PKR 650MN in election campaign and raising the expectations of the youth through a very good mobilisation campaign doesn't warrant a victory in elections. PTI candidates in total have registered 74 complaints across Pakistan out of approx 1800 seats in National and provincial assemblies, all inclusive. It means, PTI is only questioning 74 and agree with the outcome of 1700 and more as legitimate result. Let me also remind the readers, Tribunals have rejected all their applications in the court of law as they couldn't prove rigging in Sindh. But the way they create histrionics, drama, procession, it looked as if they were the rightful winners, which they were not. They should thank God, PTI got over 7.0MN votes which is a remarkable achievement. The margin of victory between PTI and PMLN and MQM in KHI, HYD is more than what rigging can result in, even if you say 10-15% were bogus votes.
PTI is lucky to govern KPK. Show exemplary work and win the hearts of the people. Better resign from NA, and become the CM of KPK and show the world what governance, competence, development is. Bhayya, take baby steps and don't derail.
He is powerless to dismiss the assembly and the day he does, the government will announce bye polls.
And Sadia, love your sarcasm on 'brilliant governance' in KPK.
Vaquas
@oZAIR:
And you want people like IK, Sheeda Tully, Chaudhries, Altaf Hussan and Mullah Canadvi to overhaul this system.....seriously?!
Sadia is being sarcastic, methinks.
It has been repeatedly proven that this system has failed. Its time to make a serious overhaul in the political system
I voted for PTI. IK plans to dissolve assemby, I would consider this act disgrace to my vote. I voted for PTI's ideology not for its "Dharan politics". I am bit disappointed the way PTI is progressing. I don't understand why IK is so eager to join hands with Qadri whereas Qadri has no stake in country's politics and also low potential to win seats in any form of elections.
@Sadia: Are you serious. am from KP and people are praying to get rid of PTI.
Voted IK before, forever will. Funny how people have deemed him a failure already (people had deemed him a failure even before the may 13 elections), and are inclined towards the parties of the status quo that are famous for their palaces and billions abroad.
IK should avoid giving such extreme statements. Country is facing wars and threats from our eastern and western borders. wait for the 4 more years and people will give you better reply who will perform and who will not either in center or in provinces.
Anti democratic anti Punjab pro Qadri. What is one to make of this rhetoric?
COMMENTS TO SALEEM I feel sorry for you if you can't see from right and wrong, the whole country knows that the present government came with a stolen MANDATE and this is the truth and truth is hard to swallow, you can turn a blind eye and say i did not see anything which makes you as guilty just like them, so just before opening your mouth or writing something make sure you have done your home work.
@Zaman:
You actually forgot that mandate does not only mean the burger areas like DHA, Clifton, Cantt, Gulberg and other elite areas. There is more to Pakistan than these pockets of liberal trolls and its from these areas that traditional parties usually win elections.
You can continue this rant just like your leader who'll be crying about a stolen mandate all the way to 2018 and beyond. It might hurt though, but people vehemently rejected a liar and a hypocrite.
@Umer: He did not shoot people but KPK government managed to kill kids/infants during vaccination just a month ago!
@Saeed Marwat: Couldn't have said it better. In an age of twitter and facebook, its very easy to take one line out of context...maybe ET in future can add a link to the show when writing articles referring to interviews? Just a suggestion.
It's strange how so many people here are reacting to Khan's views while they haven't even seen the TV show. Like someone pointed out earlier he said this when he was asked point blank that if the N-League's mishandling of the IDP situation and rigging continues, would he resign? While things have turned towards North in KPK, the country as a whole is no different from where PPP left it. People from KPK like me have seen a dramatic improvement in education, better police, end of patwari culture and quicker resolution to problems. What has the federal government done? More laptops? more yellow taxis? another jungla bus? significant increase in national debt at exorbitant costs? Curbs on media? Political appointments in the government? Weaker institutions? Police taking down citizens?
PTI's disintegration imminent.
You guys may disagree with IK but why you ask him to not protest against PMLN's "usual" method of wining elections? Now we know why nobody came out to support them when they had 2/3 majority & were kicked out....Because it was probably fake back then also...since we only had our beloved PTV, it wasn't exposed. Whether IK is right or wrong, these Noora's who stole our mandate, have no right to tell us what to do or what not!
Another low for greedy khan! This guy is no less than curse.. May he never succeed in his power politics!
PTI governance in KP is the best of all provinces. In 1 year, radical improvements have been made in police dept, patwar and other services.
If elections are held today in KP, PTI will win bigger mandate than before. Anti-IK are in for a big surprise.
His comments on assembly dissolution was only regarding what eventually might happen in the struggle to get 2013 rigging investigated.
I hope PTI knows about the AAM in our neighbourhood, what happen to them?
The channel and Anchor are intentionally portraying the IK view to back the hidden agenda of destablizing government... Is this a responsible journalism
@Feroz: Agree but if you really lose an election, but what about the rigged one ? IK is right and we stand with him because what he says is logical.
@ Mega ~ Yes, indeed, AK had his chance, I am so much disappointed, Modi on the other hand, stayed, learned from his mistakes and delivered. Though, he is not as friendly as he looks, but still I would love to vote for a Nationalist!
@ Salman ~ why don't ask IK to verify NA1 voting, SOP were not followed, Nadra is not able to verify thumb impressions, if they would have, local body elections of KPK would have been finished by now. Plus, 90 days corruption agenda, still pending, 35 punctures still pending, Geo case still pending. IK haven't produce any single legislative change in NA. Instead of dharnas, he should consult opposition, identify weak areas and strengthen the electoral system so that no body could rig elections again! But why should he do all this, its all lust for power my boy!
@Chachoo: What he says is correct, it's not ethnic problem. The people in power in the punjab province and PM of punjab (not pakistan) started the operation and turning their backs on IDPS. They should be ashamed of what they do. Every time this party comes in power, provincial disharmony reaches its peak.
Instead of continuously crying about the last elections, it would be better for IK as well as the rest of the country if he uses his time and resources wisely to campaign for better elections in 2018. Oh and maybe do a thing or two for the betterment of KP too while he's at it.
Once a political party loses an election it has to patiently wait for the next one, this is how democracy is practiced worldwide. With the Taliban and terrorists coming under attack from the security forces, Imran Khan is becoming desperate. In the last election his allies in the Taliban had made sure that the PPP and ANP were attacked, so they could not really canvas, with Taliban gone, how will he get elected ?
I voted for PTI last May. Big mistake. Never again. The guy's plain crazy, this is the beginning of the end for PTI.
@nickwest667:
But while the army action was taking place in the mountains, your govt was shooting at its own innocent people in the streets who and had put every type of hurdle in the way of granting justice to opposition parties, what would you do then?
Don't know about Pakistanis. But kejriwal had done same same things. Dharna then dissolved assembly on principles. We never gave him chance again. This is democracy not mobocracy,respect the mandate of the people govern and complete full term,for which people have voted you. Signing off is just running away from responsibilities. There is a difference between govt's governance and streetmen agitation. Mixing of both only bring anarchy.
Why you people not talk about Tahir ul Qadri who is travelling on Canadian passport, proud to introduce himself Canadian national, how one can expect inqulab from a person who do not respect country whom he want to bring inqulab. what a shame inqulab a foreign national is destabilizing country and using innocents people
There is one easy way for pmln to shut up IK. He is asking for verification in 4 halqaas, right? Pmln should agree to it. After all pmln won cleanly and the results will prove that right? Not only will IK have to shut up but he will be humiliated. Its such an easy out for pmln I'm surprised they haven't thought of it already. Why wont they do it? I've been asking this question from all for weeks and have not had one good answer as to why pmln don't do this.
@Sadia: we might look good on blogs and web sights and might get million likes because of our modern schools but let me see you stand next to a women from north Waziristan.
If you , JI and PAT have same views same agenda then why different parties, why don't you merge into one.....? But you won't because all of you have one point agenda....lust for power.
PML(N) and PPP had signed charter of democracy, the agreement was that we reciprocally become in power; whether in Govt or Opposition. PML (N) has finished their tenure of friendly opposition, now PPP is doing same. In this time, a strong opposition is required which PTI is performing. PTI is giving tough time to Govt. otherwise PML(N) and PPP are habitual to mugger the country.
Before taking side of Qadri, he should consult his column writer supporter.
@Sadia: Sick or may be I misspelled it
The only way to cover his failures in KPK.
@Sadia:
He hasn't shot 8 innocent people including women cold bloodedly like you guys did in Model Town, Lahore. That alone is a big start that people in KPK are safe from being shot by the government.
@The only Sane: I think she was being sarcastic bro
Imran Khansaab very disappointed with your statement on joining hands with TUQ. For God sake try to distinguish between good and evil. Elections will not be fair was not only predicted by TUQ but an ordinary Pakistani also knew it, nothing BIG. You and your party members were very naive to depend upon former CJ, this put a big question mark on your ability to judge people. Why it took you almost a year to lead protest against elections. You should not have gone to the assemblies and taken oath. I voted for your last time but such statements will only reduce your vote bank next time. Please understand Pakistan at this moment does not need BIG change which will destabilize the economy and effects of which will be born by a common man in terms of rise in inflation not by the power savy politicians since there bags are already full. Lets work towards a better Pakistan by being a good and healthy opposition. Prove yourself in KPK and then take the honours of the Big Seat in next elections.
take it easy IK, lets unite military successful for successful military operation. Once we achieve that we will support you and do politics
I watched the whole interview and he never said any such thing. Totally wrong headline. After the anchor insisted if he would resign he said 'we will do anything to get justice'. Wrong projection of his statement altogether. I strongly protest.
Thats the true TK, unable to deliver on anything, empty drum, now realizes its better to dissolve so he can be self martyred, as Nawaz will never do this mistake, would rather like his true face be disclosed.
IK is trapped between maulana Fazal and mullah Qadri. One in KP the other on streets.where to go?.
Disappointment epitomized in Mr. Khan
@Dr Khan: It was big mistake to vote for PTI, Imran Khan badly failed to deliver in KPK his performance is ZERO because he is interfering KPK govt and do not allow them to work according to their own will. I guarantee if now election is coming PTI cannot win even a single seat in KPK..... this is my challenge.
Imran Khan is a failed leader and politician. He gave us false promises and when time for deliverance came he started crying hoax. His lust for PM slot has blinded his vision for New Pakistan, which was otherwise a bait to attract votes. We voted for him but never again
Imran Khan has been a total failure and a disappointment to people in general and his voters in particular. His promised change is no where visible and the only thing we see are his absurd rants each morning. We voted for him but never ever again.
@Afroz Zaman: I agree 1000 percent. Problem is media belongs from across Attock bridge.
@Sadia,
Get off whatever you are on. If KPK had become as rosy as you described, every man and woman in Pakistan would have been migrated to KPK. I respect that you consider IK and PTI as the saviour but fabricating lies is no the way to praise your party.
@Saleem: You did not mention the lust of power of the Sharif brothers or Maulana Fazal. The Sharif brothers are caring about the lives of soldiers by adding the lives of Pakistani's (PAT workers) from Lahore. The PM is not even bother to make a nationally televised speech about starting the war against terrorists and to request the nation to help IDPs.
PTI or Any other party should join hands with PAT by signing the agreement of objectives and procedure to achieve those objectives for the GOOD of masses.
Without written document anyone can deceive at any time and others will not be able to expose them i.e JUI always go with HIGHEST BIDDER instead of any PRINCIPLE STAND.
he want dissolve the assembly because he failed to deliver... a leader with so many u-turn
@Sadia: If it was not for the respect of your name and gender I would have loved to speak my mind about you and your Punjab.
when will pakistani "youth" realize that these histrionic facial expressions are signs of an unsophisticated character and not of a savior, as most of them have thought of him. It is incredible how immature pakistani youth must have been to have voted for this naive and arrogant person. His expression speaks nothing but of hate and conceit...
Can IK legally dissolve an assembly?I guess not.He can have his government resign and let somebody else form the government.He always talks like TTP-above the law.
@Sadia: if he has delivered so much why he is threatening to dissolve assembly rather then resigning that threat is just to terrorize the angry party men in kpk assembly that is why there is no mention of national assembly resignation! plz beware of these politicians they all are same with different names!
A few days bak whn the operation started taliban khan was saying tht thr was no need of the operation as suicide atracks had gone down and economy improved by 33%. Now he is saying tge exact opposite. Nut case and a true taliban. He needs to be arrested for treason and inciting people
Due to honest and awesome governance of PTI in KPK, the government is giving blank cheques to IDPs. There is 0% unemployment and people are getting the best of the payscales. I havent heard of any rape or killing since they have been in power. No injustice whatsoever has come to light since they came. Every child is going to school and the best of it has yet to come, its free for all for all. No load-shedding has led to the beauty of PTI governance. I wish they would been in the system before. Thank you Imran Khan for the extraordinary deliverance and keeping on par with your promises and words.
a bad workman quarrel with his tools. same applies to ik as he has delivered nothing and there are clear rifts in his party in kpk and now fighting against system after more than one year !
It's a shame if Punjab govt. is not allowing IDP's in Punjab - these IDP's are better Muslims and better cultured people than anyone of us in so called Punjab.
I second him. Hitler and Mussolini are destroying the country with both hands.
Yes IK chooses the time to threaten dissolving assembly just when we have an operation going on against his beloved. Telling that IDPs is one of the hardest situation that KP govt has to deal with and threatening anarchy at the same time, now that is a true leader, we see how much you love those IDPs IK, leaving them alone in the worst time. Bravo!
Revolution is inevitable. Nothing stands in Qadri's tornado. It can even silent the tsunami! Qadri will shake the gov't like never shaken before and he'll make Pakistan a true islamic country with freedom of speech, protests, dharna and freedom of strikes. Qadri will bring true democracy. Qadri the great, Qadri the true Lion, JIYE QADRI, JIYE QADRI
Sorry I am an outsider but thought I needed to put my view across.... in Australia if our troops were fighting a vicious enemy like taliban we would be 100% behind our prime minister whether we liked his policies or not.... unity is the biggest weapon you've got
Khan Sahib...I voted for PTI in the last election.. If I vote for you again, it will be based entirely on you performance in KPK not you dharnas...
Mark my words right now. In the end PTI will end up the New ANP and nothing else. Imran Khan has too much lust for power and now Imran is resorting to Ethnic type discussion and One Province Bashing to gain some attention.
Imran Khan bears the responsibility for the delay in military operations and the growth in the strength of military operations. His claiming now that he supports it came late. His jumping on the Qadri bandwagon is because his popularity graph has been affected badly.
Yeah! this is the right step for democracy...
When Pakistani soldiers are giving their lives for the country these politicians are busy in playing their own games for power. This is time of solidarity to stand behind those who are giving their lives for the country. Like many other politicians, Imran Khan will say that he cares what army is doing but his action been nothing but a distraction. This man can not come down from pedestal he is sitting on and do something for the country. And now we have another fitna who wants to do the same.
This is not the time for rhetoric nor any other non sense. Democracy as well as lust of these politicians for power should wait until army is done with their job. Unless Imran Khan can show some results in K-P in next election he will not get as many seats as he got today because people are getting fed up of election rhetoric and wants elected representative to deliver. Rather crying all the time, please show what you have done in last ONE as that will be an good indicator of your performance for next four years.
True!
In sha Allah PTI + PAT for better Pakistan.