ISLAMABAD: Former Prime Minister Imran Khan on Monday voiced his concern over the deteriorating law and order situation in Balochistan and Punjab, pointing out that “an institution is being blamed for this mess.”
Speaking to reporters after a hearing related to the £190 million corruption case at Adiala Jail, Khan indicated that the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) would only consider the option of national reconciliation after its grievances were addressed. He firmly ruled out any possibility of national reconciliation without accountability for what he termed as “fraudulent general elections.”
Khan also commented on Pakistan’s defeat in the first Test match against Bangladesh, criticizing the current state of cricket in the country. He expressed disappointment, stating that cricket is the only sport that enjoys widespread viewership in Pakistan, but an “incompetent yet well-connected chairman” has damaged the sport. Referring to Pakistan’s defeat by 10 wickets in Rawalpindi, Khan remarked, “History has been written after Bangladesh defeated Pakistan.”
The former cricket captain questioned the credibility of Pakistan Cricket Board Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, alleging that Naqvi has $5 million worth of property in his spouse’s name in Dubai. Khan also accused Naqvi of involvement in the wheat scandal and election rigging during his tenure as Punjab caretaker chief minister. He further criticized the current government for its failure to implement reforms, reduce expenditures, and increase revenue. Khan argued that only an elected government with a genuine mandate could take such necessary measures.
Khan expressed concern over the exodus of multinational companies and professionals from Pakistan, attributing it to the current leadership’s intolerance of criticism, branding those who speak out as “digital terrorists.” He also denied having any contact with the establishment, sharing that he was kept in a hot cell under harsh conditions but did not request any favors for himself.
Court Proceedings:
Earlier in the day, the cross-examination of the prosecution witness — the investigation officer — remained inconclusive despite this being the 10th hearing. The lead counsel for Khan and his spouse, Bushra Bibi, were absent, and their associates sought an adjournment until September 3.
Accountability Court Judge Nasir Javed Rana expressed frustration over the delays, noting that significant law enforcement resources were deployed for each hearing, yet progress in court was lacking. The judge also commented on Khan’s regular meetings with party leaders and media interactions during court dates. The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) prosecutor highlighted that several lawyers had signed Khan’s Wakalatnama, requesting that the court note the presence of the counsel available in the courtroom. The judge warned that legal consequences would follow if the defense counsel failed to cross-examine the witness at the next hearing.
During the proceedings, Bushra Bibi informed the judge that her barrack was infested with rats, prompting the judge to instruct the deputy superintendent to address the issue.
The court adjourned further proceedings until August 29.
Aleema Khan Speaks to Media:
Speaking to reporters outside the jail, Khan’s sister Aleema Khan criticized the frequent transfers of jail staff, pointing out that the staff had been changed “six times,” even though security personnel are kept at a distance from her brother’s cell. She also mentioned that a rally scheduled for August 22 was postponed at the government’s request, but confirmed that the rally on September 8 would proceed as planned.
PTI Files Petition in IHC:
In a separate development, the PTI filed a petition in the Islamabad High Court (IHC) for the recovery of its missing activists. PTI General Secretary Omar Ayub Khan submitted the petition, naming the secretaries of the interior and defense ministries, the Federal Investigation Agency director-general, and the Islamabad Police inspector general as respondents.
The petition claimed that during a recent crackdown, 16 party workers were detained, with some returning and others still unaccounted for. It cited the court’s previous ruling that enforced disappearances violate constitutional provisions related to fundamental rights and requested the court to declare the disappearances unconstitutional. The petition also sought directions to investigate any government officials’ involvement in the alleged enforced disappearances.
