The founder of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and former Prime Minister Imran Khan has asserted that those who once championed the slogan “respect the vote” have now chosen to “honour the boot,” marking what he calls the “biggest U-turn” in Pakistan’s political landscape.
While addressing journalists informally from Adiala Jail,, Khan emphasised his willingness to engage in dialogue, stating, “I will negotiate within the constitutional framework, but first, our mandate must be returned. What dialogue can I have with a government that would collapse with the opening of just four constituencies? My negotiations will be with those who hold actual power.”
The former premier underscored this point by reiterating his stance, “The real U-turn is by those who shouted ‘respect the vote’ and ended up respecting ‘the boot.'”
He revealed that he had tasked Mahmood Khan Achakzai with engaging other political parties, explaining, “Mahmood Khan Achakzai will handle discussions with political entities.”
The PTI chief also commented on the criticism he faces over the call for protests in front of the General Headquarters (GHQ).
He questioned, “Where in the constitution does it say that protesting in front of GHQ is prohibited? There is an undeclared martial law in the country. The army owes me an apology for the injustices I’ve faced, as I was kidnapped by the Rangers.”
On the matter of the Toshakhana references, Khan accused the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) of violating its own laws, stating, “NAB filed two references against me regarding the Toshakhana, claiming undervaluation of a necklace in both cases. Inam Shah, the same approver, is used in both references. Once acquitted, I plan to file cases against Chairman NAB Mohsin Naqvi, the investigating officers, and those who provided false testimony.”
He further added that NAB was unaware that the necklace in question was with him, stating, “Before the March 18 raid at Bani Gala, all valuable items were moved to a secure location. I inadvertently revealed that we had the necklace, leading NAB to hastily sentence me.”
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Khan concluded his statements by recounting his experience in jail, saying, “I’ve suffered food poisoning twice because there’s no fridge, and the food spoils.”
