Illicit financial flows: Imran accuses PM of receiving foreign funds

Imran alleges prime minister had received billions from leaders of Gulf countries

ISLAMABAD:

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf [PTI ] chief Imran Khan on Wednesday accused Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif of receiving funds from Gulf countries.

Addressing his supporters on Islamabad's Constitution Avenue, Imran alleged that the prime minister had received billions from leaders of Gulf countries and in order to substantiate his claim he quoted Awami Muslim League [AML] chief Shiekh Rashid Ahmed as a witness.



Without naming the countries, the PTI chief said similar offers were made to him after PTI’s historic rally in Lahore. “I was offered Rs 3 billion after our first rally in Lahore but I refused saying that I would not oblige you after coming to power,” he added.

Earlier in his speech, Imran said, “It is the character through which one can rule the world and not through use of guns.”  The ingredients of a good character, he said were truth, courage and tolerance.

Referring to the values of Islam and traditions of great Muslim rulers, the PTI chief said that Pakistan was the only country which came into being with an ideology.

On the argument that Western media was not providing coverage to PTI’s rallies, he said “It does not make any difference if western media is not covering PTI’s sit-in, people of Pakistan matter more for me.”

Referring to the fundraising for Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital he said “I did not feel ashamed while collecting funds on the road for the greater cause.” Vowing to bring change in the country, he said we would respect the weak in Naya Pakistan as it is our duty to help the weak and needy.”

Published in The Express Tribune, October 2^nd, 2014.