On Saturday, the government accused PTI founder Imran Khan of orchestrating a political conspiracy with a retired general and other figures to create chaos and discord in the country. The information minister hinted that the investigation into Gen Faiz Hameed and his alleged co-conspirators would expand in the coming days.
Shortly after distancing himself from Gen Faiz Hameed, who is facing court martial proceedings, Khan appeared to support claims that he and the retired general were linked, suggesting that the general’s transfer to Peshawar was part of a plot against his PTI government.
During a press briefing, the information minister stated that, following Gen Faiz Hameed’s arrest, the army had conducted a transparent investigation through its internal accountability mechanisms. He added that the investigation into Imran Khan was ongoing and would involve further actions, emphasizing that the process would remain impartial regardless of individuals’ statuses.
Mr. Tarar claimed that evidence indicated Khan had been in contact with these conspirators both during and after his government’s vote of no-confidence, maintaining communication with this “political alliance.”
Khan, speaking to the media after a hearing in Adiala jail concerning a £190 million corruption case, asserted that Gen Faiz Hameed’s transfer was part of a conspiracy by former army chief Qamar Javed Bajwa and Nawaz Sharif to undermine his regime. He reiterated the PTI’s demand for a judicial inquiry into the events of May 9, despite perceived reluctance from the establishment.
Imran Khan also alleged attempts to secure a two-thirds majority for the ruling coalition and an extension for the current Supreme Court chief justice. Additionally, he announced his intention to run for the position of Chancellor of Oxford University while in prison.
PML-N Senator Irfan Siddiqui indicated that his party would no longer repeatedly urge the PTI to engage in talks, stating that the PTI needed to approach the discussions with seriousness. Siddiqui emphasized that future dialogue would depend on whether the PTI recognized the need for political, rather than military, engagement. He suggested that Mahmood Khan Achakzai, leader of the opposition alliance, might be able to help the PTI understand the necessity of political dialogue.