ISLAMABAD: Following the transfer of a new Toshakhana reference involving himself and his wife, Bushra Bibi, to a special Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) court, PTI founder Imran Khan suggested ongoing backdoor communications between his party and the military establishment.
Speaking to the press after attending the accountability court proceedings, Khan revealed that the PTI rally scheduled for August 22 was postponed to September 8 at the request of the military. He claimed that former senator Azam Swati delivered this message during an unusual early visit to Adiala jail, which could only occur through special arrangement.
Khan explained that the postponement was requested for security reasons, particularly due to concurrent religious party protests and the Pakistan-Bangladesh cricket match. He added that the establishment assured him of necessary permissions for the new rally date.
The ex-premier criticized the government’s attempts to obstruct the rally by placing containers on roads and issuing directives to end the event by 7pm. He also alleged that the establishment had offered him a complete acquittal in all cases in exchange for his silence over three years, a deal he rejected.
Additionally, Khan condemned recent amendments to the National Accountability Ordinance, accusing them of protecting money laundering and theft, even though he is seeking acquittal under the same amended law. He warned of potential street protests if the proposed constitutional amendment to extend the tenure of Chief Justice Qazi Faiz Isa proceeds.
Khan reiterated his claim that a conspiracy against his party was orchestrated in London with the involvement of the then-army chief, who had assured neutrality.
In the accountability court, Judge Mohammad Ali Warraich decided that the special FIA court would handle both the case and the bail petitions of Khan and his wife, despite the defense’s request for the accountability court to address the bail pleas. The judge cited the Supreme Court’s endorsement of amendments in the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) Ordinance, which made the FIA the appropriate forum for the case.
