- Accuses administration of pressuring judges who rule in favour of PTI
- Warns against internal groupings, calling it a matter of life and death for Pakistan
RAWALPINDI: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan on Friday stated that there is no point in negotiating with a government that lacks authority.
During an informal conversation with the media during the hearing of the £190 million reference at Rawalpindi’s Adiala Jail, he accused the administration of pressuring judges who rule in favour of PTI and criticised the recent budget for burdening salaried class further.
Khan recounted that a judge in Sargodha reported to the Lahore High Court being pressured by intelligence services. He alleged that this judge had his household gas shut off, and that judges who show leniency towards PTI are under severe strain. “Journalists who support PTI are targeted; Raoof Hassan was assaulted, and Ali Zaman was tortured,” Khan claimed, attributing these incidents to intelligence agencies.
Khan called on Chief Justice of Pakistan Qazi Faez Isa to ensure justice despite these disruptions. He commended a Sargodha judge, six Islamabad High Court judges, and three Supreme Court judges for their ethical conduct.
Regarding the budget, Khan emphasized that Pakistan needs to raise Rs13 trillion in revenue, with Rs9.8 trillion earmarked for debt interest payments.
He foresees borrowing Rs7.5 trillion to fill the budget gap, cautioning that the nation is already in deep financial trouble. “Investment, dependent on judicial fairness, is the sole way out, yet this year recorded the lowest investment in five decades,” he observed.
Khan predicted a grim future for the country and criticized the increased taxation on salaried individuals. He refuted suggestions that PTI shuns dialogue, recalling previous negotiations during Pervez Musharraf’s tenure but noted that talks are useless when “higher authorities” predetermine outcomes.
He mentioned a prior negotiation with PDM at ex-Chief Justice Bandial’s behest, only to learn that elections would be stalled while Bandial was in charge.
Khan, addressing his party, urged an end to internal divisions, labeling it a critical issue for Pakistan. “I will strictly deal with anyone fostering internal factions,” he stated.
