KAMALIA: For the first time hinting at a potential loss of power, Prime Minster Imran Khan on Saturday warned that once in power, the opposition would abolish National Accountability Bureau (NAB) to purge itself of previous corruption and commit new ‘financial crimes.’

Predicting the path to be taken by the Opposition, “then, the fourth character (referring to former prime minister Nawaz Sharif) of this drama sitting in London would return to launch malicious campaigns against the judiciary to divide it and attack the army as well. He will be helped by the media and the election commission.”

Addressing a charged crowd at Kamalia – an ancient town some 200 kilometers west of Lahore – he delivered a veiled warning to those who matter. If Nawaz Sharif returns, he will divide the judiciary – in fact he has already started doing it and signs are visible in the judiciary. But his target, as always, would be the army. He has not been able to work with the military.

Says if Nawaz returns, he will ‘weaken institutions’

The previous NRO, given by former president Pervez Musharraf, washed them clean of earlier corruption. For the next 10 years, they made billions more, which they now want to launder themselves yet again.

Reiterating his interpretation of Islamic dictum of “good and bad” and neutrality in such situation, he again said that the “God has ordained us to side with the good. It is not a matter of choice, but command. The God has not left this discretion to people, but gave clear direction.”

Continuing with his customary name-calling for the opposition, he said he can only thank “three rats,” for bringing no-confidence motion. “The motion has boomeranged, reigniting passion in rank and file of the party and multiplying his support base. People now have a clear choice between the good and the bad. Asif Ali Zardari is facing massive corruption cases, so is Shehbaz Sharif. Fazlur Rehman has ‘sold religion’ for politics but sold his soul for permits. These people know they would be in jail if I stay in power,” the prime minister told his substantial number of slogan-chanting audience.

Imran Khan again brought up foreign policy issues in the public meeting, saying that “why those 22 envoys breached diplomatic protocol and wrote a letter. The president of the European Union called me to request me to mediate between Russia and Ukraine. We need people of your stature to bring peace to warring parties,” were his words. People like Shehbaz Sharif cannot appreciate issues of such huge importance.Prime Minister Imran Khan took the occasion to invite people “to history-making event” in Islamabad today. “It is a chance for you be part of Rah-i-Haq (righteous path) caravan. Reach Islamabad as early as possible on Sunday because roads may be blocked later in the day because of massive number of commuters travelling to join the event.”

Published in Dawn, March 27th, 2022

Opinion

Editorial

Military option
Updated 21 Nov, 2024

Military option

While restoring peace is essential, addressing Balochistan’s socioeconomic deprivation is equally important.
HIV/AIDS disaster
21 Nov, 2024

HIV/AIDS disaster

A TORTUROUS sense of déjà vu is attached to the latest health fiasco at Multan’s Nishtar Hospital. The largest...
Dubious pardon
21 Nov, 2024

Dubious pardon

IT is disturbing how a crime as grave as custodial death has culminated in an out-of-court ‘settlement’. The...
Islamabad protest
Updated 20 Nov, 2024

Islamabad protest

As Nov 24 draws nearer, both the PTI and the Islamabad administration must remain wary and keep within the limits of reason and the law.
PIA uncertainty
20 Nov, 2024

PIA uncertainty

THE failed attempt to privatise the national flag carrier late last month has led to a fierce debate around the...
T20 disappointment
20 Nov, 2024

T20 disappointment

AFTER experiencing the historic high of the One-day International series triumph against Australia, Pakistan came...