RAWALPINDI: In a sharp critique of the current ruling coalition, Imran Khan, the founder of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), stated that the martial regimes of former military leaders Pervez Musharraf and Zia-ul-Haq were “better” than the existing democratic setup, as reported by The News on Saturday.
During a press conference outside Rawalpindi’s Adiala jail on Friday, where he is facing a £190 million case, Khan highlighted a divide between those who respect democracy and those who cater to those in power.
Khan, who has been incarcerated for over a year, has repeatedly condemned Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s government, claiming it lacks legitimacy due to alleged interference in the February 8 elections.
While he has refused to engage in dialogue with the ruling parties, Khan expressed a willingness to negotiate with the military establishment, a stance the government has criticized as politicizing the military’s role.
“Given Pakistan’s geographic position and the military’s influence in the private sector, it would be unwise not to cultivate such a relationship,” he remarked, asserting that there is “no harm” in engaging with the establishment.
“We are open to any dialogue that could help improve Pakistan’s dire situation,” he added.
Addressing his party’s Lahore rally scheduled for today, Khan questioned why PTI was denied permission to hold a gathering at the Minar-e-Pakistan monument while Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) had previously been granted the same. PTI sought permission for the historic site but was restricted to a location in Kahna under strict conditions.
Khan also commented on the proposed constitutional amendments by the current rulers, suggesting that the chief justice would benefit directly from the changes.
Earlier, Islamabad’s Special Accountability Court Judge Nasir Javed Rana adjourned the hearing of the Al-Qadir Trust case against Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi, until September 24.
Both defendants and their lawyers, along with NAB representatives, were present, and Bushra Bibi’s lawyer initiated cross-examination of the investigating officer in the case, requesting the hearing be postponed to the 24th.
