Former Prime Minister and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founding leader, Imran Khan, has claimed that he is being intimidated through the trial of former intelligence officer General Faiz Hameed.
Speaking to journalists at Adiala Jail, Khan expressed his concerns, calling the trial without the inclusion of retired General Bajwa a “malicious” move.
“Using General Faiz Hameed’s trial to intimidate me is a clear indication of political malice,” Imran Khan remarked. He also criticised the current leadership, congratulating them sarcastically for securing “NRO 2”, a reference to alleged political compromises that he claims have made it impossible to hold white-collar criminals accountable. “Catching white-collar crime was difficult before; now it’s impossible,” he added.
Since the arrest of Gen Faiz, Imran Khan has expressed concerns that he might be implicated. The former prime minister also moved the Islamabad High Court, seeking an order to prevent his possible military trial.
During a press conference in Rawalpindi, when journalist asked about the concerns of PTI leadership, DG ISPR Lt General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry replied: “The matter is sub judice, but I will say that according to military law, if any person uses individuals under the Army Act for their personal objectives, the law will take its own course.”
Observers believe that the DG ISPR’s calculated remarks suggested that the jailed PTI founder could be implicated in the ongoing court martial proceedings against former ISI chief General Faiz.
Khan took a swipe at the country’s parliamentarians, accusing them of using legislation to absolve themselves of corruption charges. “In the history of parliamentary democracy, never has a legislature passed laws to exonerate its own members of corruption cases,” he asserted.
The PTI leader also commented on yesterday’s statements from the military’s media wing, ISPR, which reiterated the army’s neutral and apolitical stance. “If they are becoming apolitical now, they are doing the country a great service. But if they claim to have been neutral all along, that’s a blatant lie,” Imran said, adding that both he and his wife, Bushra Bibi, are in jail because of current army chief General Asim Munir.
Moreover, Imran Khan also addressed internal party dynamics, defending PTI leader Ali Amin Gandapur, who has faced criticism from some within the party. “To those criticising him, I say Ali Amin was my choice, and I stand by him. Those conspiring against him have not won on their own merit but on PTI’s ticket,” he warned, hinting that disloyalty could cost them their candidacy in the next elections. “If you’re involved in conspiracies now, don’t expect to get a ticket in the next election,” he stated firmly.
