Khan acknowledged that he relied on the statements and evidence from the ANF, which is led by a Major General, despite claims from PTI leaders that the case was fabricated
ISLAMABAD: Imran Khan, the founding leader of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), has expressed ignorance about the controversial police operation at Parliament Lodges during his tenure as Prime Minister. The raid, conducted by Islamabad police in March 2022, resulted in the arrest of 19 individuals, including JUI-F MNAs Salahuddin Ayubi and Maulana Jamal-ud-Din. The incident generated significant controversy and was extensively covered on social media.
During an informal discussion with journalists at Adiala Jail on Saturday, Khan denied any knowledge of forced removals from Parliament under his leadership and criticized the current government for allegedly neglecting democratic norms. He addressed questions concerning the drug case against Rana Sanaullah, asserting that the case was initiated by the Anti-Narcotics Force (ANF). Khan confirmed that he had engaged with the ANF head, who provided evidence to the cabinet related to Sanaullah’s case.
Khan acknowledged that he relied on the statements and evidence from the ANF, which is led by a Major General, despite claims from PTI leaders that the case was fabricated. He also discussed his efforts to intervene in the abduction of journalist Matiullah Jan and accused the current government of human rights violations and electoral fraud linked to recent constitutional amendments. Khan criticized Shehbaz Sharif, alleging intervention by former army chief General Bajwa to prevent Sharif’s conviction on money laundering charges.
Khan dismissed other legal issues involving Sharif, Nawaz Sharif, and Ishaq Dar as outdated, claiming that only the money laundering case had resulted in proven charges. He targeted Supreme Court Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa and condemned recent amendments, arguing that they undermine democratic processes. Khan warned that democracy in Pakistan is at risk, with smaller parties gaining parliamentary representation and criticized media restrictions and judicial threats.
He urged his party to prepare for a street movement, stating that if the government believed PTI would remain passive regarding these amendments, they were mistaken. Despite ongoing restrictions, Khan announced a rally in Lahore on September 21, asserting that such gatherings are both a democratic and constitutional right. He criticized the government for blocking rallies over the past year and a half, warning that Punjab could become a “police state” if restrictions persist. Khan concluded by emphasizing that PTI would continue to champion democratic principles and resist what he described as attempts to impose “slavery.”
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