Imran Khan expresses anger over Pak army's interference
asks why not form own political party for jumping into politics
Lahore (PTI): In his first address to the nation on Saturday after his release from the anti-graft body's custody on the apex court's order, Pakistan's ousted prime minister Imran Khan has advised the powerful military to form its own political party for jumping into politics and 'think big' for saving the country from descending into a complete chaos.
Looking furious over the manner the military establishment was bent upon crushing his party, Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI), Khan, during his address from his Zaman Park residence at 8 pm, asked the military leadership to review its "anti-PTI policy" for the sake of Pakistan, saying its steps have already brought the country to brink of disaster.
A triumphant Khan returned to his Lahore home on Saturday after having locked himself in the Islamabad High Court (IHC) premises for hours for fear of re-arrest despite being granted bail on Friday.
Before leaving for Lahore, the 70-year-old Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chief hit out at the "imported government for kidnapping" him despite the IHC granting him bail in all cases.
Taking a pot shot at Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Director-General Major General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry's statement in which he called Mr Khan hypocrite', the PTI chief said: "Listen to me Mr DG ISPR you were not even born when I was representing my country in the world and earning good name for it. You need to ashamed of yourself for calling me hypocrite and anti-Army."
He said the ISPR, the media wing of the military, had never said such things (about a politician).
"You have jumped into politics. Why don't you form your own party. Who has given you the right to make such frivolous allegations. Have some shame for saying that no one else harmed the army to the extent that I did, and that you will crush us," Khan said.
During his address, Khan asked whether the Pakistan Army's image was good while he was the prime minister or now?
"The people liked the Army then. When an Army chief (former Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa) stabbed me in the back and brought to power Pakistan's most infamous and corrupt criminals, the masses started criticising the Army and it is not because of me but the Army chief's actions that the Army is being targeted and criticised," he said.
Khan further said he is the recipient of the most charity around the globe since people trust him.
"You are saying Imran Khan is lying. I have been given the most charity because they trust me and consider me an honest person.
Pakistan's Supreme Court has also declared me honest (Sadiq aur Amin)," he further said.
Khan, who was ousted from power in April last year through a no-confidence motion, further said that the handlers (a reference to the military) and its installed government are the main beneficiaries of the attack on the military installations during a protest after his arrest last Tuesday.
"They have put the entire leadership of PTI in jails and arrested over 3,500 workers and instituted more cases against me after the attack on the state buildings by unknown persons. The government parties do not want the elections because they know they will be completely wiped out. That is why they planned this conspiracy (attack on military installations) and ran away from elections," he said.
Khan said such a crackdown had been carried out in East Pakistan which his party is facing today.
"Such actions have dire consequences. Although you (the Army) will not listen to me, I advise you to think big. You should see where the country is heading by such actions," he said.
Khan termed the judiciary the only hope for Pakistan, asking the judges to refuse illegal orders from the handlers.'
He said there has been unprecedented media control by the handlers who had also imposed a ban on social media to curb free speech.
He appealed to the journalists to listen to their conscience and not be controlled by fear being instilled by the military establishment.
Khan expressed fear that senior journalist Imran Riaz Khan who was abducted (by security agencies) might be severely tortured or killed.
He also lambasted the government for the abduction of another senior political analyst Oriya Maqbool Jan.
Khan demanded investigation into the protests and vandalism following his arrest by Chief Justice of Pakistan Umar Ata Bandial so that facts could come to fore.
He suspected that the handlers' were also involved in the attack on the state installation to achieve its motive, saying his party has no history of indulging in violence.
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PM Modi speaks to Iranian president, discusses 'serious' situation in West Asia
New Delhi (PTI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday night spoke to Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian over the phone and discussed the "serious situation" in West Asia.
Modi expressed deep concern over the escalation of tensions in the region and the loss of civilian lives as well as damage to civilian infrastructure.
The prime minister told the Iranian President that the safety and security of Indian nationals, along with the need for unhindered transit of goods and energy, remain India's top priorities.
“Had a conversation with Iranian President, Dr Masoud Pezeshkian, to discuss the serious situation in the region. Expressed deep concern over the escalation of tensions and the loss of civilian lives as well as damage to civilian infrastructure,” Modi said in a post on X.
The prime minister also reiterated India's commitment to peace and stability and urged dialogue and diplomacy to end the crisis.
The prime minister had spoken to leaders of several West Asian countries in the last 10 days in the wake of the coordinated offensive launched against Iran by the United States and Israel, in which the Islamic country's Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, was killed last month.
In retaliation, Iran has fired drones and missiles at Israel and US military installations around the Gulf region, including the global business and aviation hubs of Dubai and Doha.
Modi earlier spoke to the leaders of Oman, Kuwait, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Jordan, Israel and Qatar, and expressed concern over the attacks on their countries, and condemned the violation of some nation’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
He also discussed the welfare and security of the Indian community residing in those countries.
Around 1 crore Indians live in the Gulf and West Asia. While about 10,000 Indian citizens live, study and work in Iran, more than 40,000 live in Israel.
