LAHORE: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf Chairman Imran Khan launched broadside at Pakistan Democratic Movement daring his political opponents to pinpoint instances of terrorism that took place during his tenure.

Addressing press conference via video link, Imran Khan talked about terrorist attack in Peshawar, saying, "Everybody knew, reaction would come after Afghan jihad. Drone attacks were started in tribal areas in 2004. I was only one to raise my voice against drone attacks." Imran Khan commended Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) police's sacrifices.

Imran Khan criticised political opponents for using tragedy in Peshawar for political gain and took a dig at former President Asif Ali Zardari. He challenged Zardari to file defamation suit against him,suggesting that such action would only be taken by those with sense of honour.

Recalling his removal from office, Khan stated, "Unfortunately, PTI government was overthrown through regime change".

Speaking of whooping hike in petroleum products' prices, Imran Khan pointed out that international petrol prices were still not too high. He criticised KP Governor for discussing delay in elections in province.

Blaming PDM-led government for economic woes and rising terrorism, Imran Khan asked, "How can current rulers steer country in right direction?"

Khan lamented that salaried individuals were facing great difficulties and claimed that country would face more economic difficulties. He claimed that more than 800,000 people had left country due to their disappointment with country's situation.

He spoke at length about causes of deteriorating security situation in KP and pointed out that he had categorically told former Army Chief Gen (retd) Qamar Javed Bajwa that economic and security situation would go out of hand if he allowed to succeed ‘regime change operation’.

He stressed that there is only one solution to pull out country of current chaos which is free and fair elections in country.

Earlier, while speaking to senior journalists, Imran said he was standing by his statement given about PPP co-Chairman Asif Ali Zardari, adding that former President is free to file defamation suit against him as “Defamation is claimed by those who themselves have any respect”.

“I welcome defamation suit filed by PPP. I have very solid information that Zardari is among four people who were planning to assassinate him," he added.

Lashing out at caretaker Punjab government, he said that it has already appointed 13 out of total of 22 anti-PTI officers in province despite party's reservations.

Published in The Daily National Courier, February, 02 2023

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