There is no merit in negotiating with a government that lacks authority, according to Imran Khan.
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan remarked on Friday that engaging in negotiations with an ineffectual government serves no purpose.
Speaking informally with the media during the hearing of the £190 million reference at Rawalpindi’s Adiala Jail, Khan accused the administration of exerting pressure on judges who rule favorably towards PTI. He also criticized the recent budget for placing undue financial burdens on salaried individuals.
Khan alleged that a judge from Sargodha had informed the Lahore High Court about pressures imposed by intelligence agencies. According to Khan, this judge faced repercussions such as having their household gas supply cut off. He further claimed that journalists supportive of PTI were being targeted, citing specific incidents involving Raoof Hassan and Ali Zaman, which he attributed to intelligence agencies.
Urging Chief Justice of Pakistan Qazi Faez Isa to uphold the rule of law amidst these interferences, Khan commended the integrity of certain judges from Sargodha, six from the Islamabad High Court, and three from the Supreme Court.
Regarding the budget, Khan emphasized Pakistan's need to generate Rs13 trillion in revenue, with Rs9.8 trillion earmarked for debt interest payments. He warned of the necessity to borrow Rs7.5 trillion to cover the budget deficit, cautioning that the country is already on a downward spiral. Khan lamented that this year marked the lowest investment in 50 years, attributing it to the absence of a rule of law.
Khan criticized the additional tax burdens imposed on salaried individuals and rebutted claims that PTI avoids negotiations, recalling past dialogues during Pervez Musharraf’s regime. However, he emphasized that negotiations are futile when decisions are dictated by higher authorities.
Referring to an occasion when PTI negotiated with the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) upon the request of former Chief Justice Bandial, Khan recounted being informed that no elections would occur as long as Bandial remained in office.
In a stern message to his party, Khan demanded an end to internal divisions, describing it as a matter of Pakistan's survival. He warned of strict actions against anyone fostering factionalism within PTI.
When asked by a journalist if he desired the establishment to appoint a representative for negotiations,