Blame establishment if economy collapses further: Imran
Imran Khan, a former prime minister and current head of the PTI, has pleaded with the establishment to intervene to stop the nation and economy from “falling downhill” further and warned that if it does not, the people will hold them accountable.
“I know you are neutral but people will hold you [establishment] responsible to save the country and economy from this quagmire,” the former premier said while addressing a public gathering in Gujranwala on Saturday.
“The way this ‘imported government’ is taking the country towards destruction we might not be able to come out of this quagmire,” he said, adding that only early and fair elections could bring stability to the country.
Imran said that still there is a time to bring the country out of this economic quagmire. “If the economy is weakened further the national security will be at stake.”
He added, “We have to accept the pressure of the foreign power. No country will come to save Pakistan but the 10 million overseas Pakistanis. All economic woes of the country will be resolved if we could attract their investment.”
Blame establishment if economy collapses further: Imran
Speaking about his next phase of the ‘real freedom movement,’ the PTI chief said he has written a letter to the party’s district organizations asking them to start preparations for street protests.
In an effort to persuade the coalition government led by the PML-N to hold early elections, he asked the entire country and party members to prepare for “peaceful protests” across the country.
Imran claimed that following the cancellation of the by-elections, it was clear that the current authorities were “running away” from the scheduled early elections.
“Without free and early elections, the economy will continue to sink… I will give you a call soon for protests. We have to snatch the freedom,” he added.
The former prime minister, Imran Khan, also declared that he will respect the Islamabad High Court’s (IHC) decision in the contempt of court case.
The PTI chairman stated that he has always respected the judgments made by the Islamabad High Court and its Chief Justice, Athar Minhala.
“I am not saying this because my case is being heard in court, but I sincerely acknowledge their judgments despite the fact that the court did not allow me to speak otherwise, I might get a chance to present my viewpoint and clear my position,” he said, clarifying that his remarks were not directed at the judge but rather at the alleged inhumane treatment of Shahbaz Gill, who he claimed was neither a killer nor a terrorist but was severely tortured in custody.
Additionally, he showed the video of Shahbaz Gill to the audience and stated that his response was due to the cruelty shown to Gill.
The former prime minister further claimed that those attempting to remove him are the same people who plotted a conspiracy against his government. Numerous cases, including ones involving terrorism and blasphemy, have been filed against him.
“Earlier, with the help of ‘Mr. X’ and teaming up with the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) and administration the imported rulers tried their best to rig the July 17 bye-election but failed miserably. Now they have run from by-election just a couple of days before the schedule because they know it would be impossible to defeat the PTI through the ballot.”
He asked the youth that he needs their support for his struggle for real independence and underscored the need for rule of law and justice in the country. “I am ready to sacrifice my life for real independence in the country. Jail is a little thing if the country got real independence,” added.
The PTI chief reiterated that his government was sent packing on the pretext of inflation. “In fact, the country’s economy was growing at the highest rate in 17 years. The country’s exports were at the highest level. Remittances were at record levels. The conspiracy was hatched against my government because I was not ready to accept the slavery of foreign powers. India was buying 40% cheaper oil from Russia but Pakistan could not avail this opportunity.”
Earlier during a short address at Gujranwala Bar Association, Imran said: “I need lawyers for my struggle for real independence. The country is under siege by big thieves. The lawyer’s community always worked rule of the law in the country. Lawyers, like Quaid-i-Azam and Allama Iqbal, also worked for the independence of Pakistan. Now it is your duty to work for real independence in the country. InshahAllah, we will work together for real independence in the country.”
PTI Vice-Chairman Shah Mahmood Qureshi, PTI Central Punjab President Dr. Yasmin Rashid, PTI Central Punjab General Secretary Hammad Azhar, and other senior party leaders were present on the occasion.
میں پاکستان بھرمیں ان لوگوں کامشکورہوں جومجھ سے یکجہتی کےاظہار اورہماری جدوجہد کی حمایت میں آج رات بڑی تعداد میں نکلے۔ ہماری حقیقی آزادی کی تحریک وہ رفتار پکڑ رہی ہےجس کے آگے بند باندھنا ممکن نہیں اور جب تک ہم بےخوف اور ثابت قدم ہیں کامیابی انشاءاللہ ہمارے ہی قدم چومے گی! pic.twitter.com/LoMvcvcGmC
— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) September 10, 2022
