ISLAMABAD: Defence Minister Khawaja Asif called out Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf Chairman Imran Khan for his “Hypocrisy” in seeking help from US.” Addressing foreign media news conference here along with Information Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb Asif claimed “Series of events that have taken place after vote of no-confidence last year “Shows total sum of Imran’s journey, his dismissal from government and now his SOS to US for help”.

“His political journey started with cipher in which he had accused US of conspiring against PTI government,” said Asif. “And today, Shireen Mazari has written letter to US for him country he once accused of conspiracy he is now seeking help from them,” he added.

He claimed that on one hand, Imran had accused former Army Chief General (retd) Qamar Javed Bajwa of conspiring against him while in office and on other he had offered Gen Bajwa an extension for life.

He reiterated that Imran had accused US of conspiring against him and is now “Flirting with American government” for some sort of aid due to “Victimisation of PTI” in Pakistan. “He (Imran) will tell you one thing today and say opposite tomorrow. His utterances are completely irrational,” said Asif. Imran’s followers may believe him but most people have lost track of all that PTI Chief has said over past year. Commenting on Imran’s behaviour, Asif said “nowhere in world has an accused ever refused to appear in court”. He added that deposed PM has been giving excuses related to his security for not appearing in court.

“His (Imran’s) appearance in court is accepted while he sits in car,” said Asif. He accused Imran of attacking courts as they are “Mobbed by his supporters” when he appears. Courts are intimidated and come under pressure as they face threats from PTI supports. “When police were sent to his residence to arrest him, they were also attacked,” he said. At least 70-80 police officers including senior officials were injured trying to arrest PTI chief.

He noted that when Imran was in power, “almost all of PML-N’s top leadership was arrested, including Nawaz Sharif who came back from UK to surrender,” adding that there was never any resistance from their side.

“Imran Khan is desperate man,” said Asif, accusing PTI Chief of demonstrating type of violence that “Has never happened in Pakistan”.

He noted that political governments have never resorted to violence against their opponents. “Such organised violence against state machinery is unprecedented in our history despite problems we’ve had over past 75 years,” he said.

He said that government is “Ready to talk for sake of peace in our country,” and that there must be consensus on major issues Pakistan has faced for decades. “We don’t want transactional dialogue, we want something comprehensive,” he added. Answering question regarding elections in country, Asif said that general elections are due in October and will be held on time.

Regarding the Punjab Assembly elections, he said that Election Commission of Pakistan has made its decision and according to Constitution, ECP is body empowered to hold elections.

LIVE #APPNews : Federal Minister for Information & Broadcasting Marriyum Aurangzeb (@Marriyum_A) along with Defence Minister @KhawajaMAsif addressing news conference #Islamabad https://t.co/CjRwZE9YHF

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Published in The Daily National Courier, March, 25 2023

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