Imran Khan, the Chairman of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), has expressed confidence in his party’s popularity and declared that he no longer requires the support of “electables,” according to a report by a private TV channel. Facing numerous legal challenges following his removal from office as the former prime minister, Khan boasted that the PTI possesses the largest vote bank in the country. In an interview with Independent Urdu, he stated, “If you have such a significant number of votes, it doesn’t matter who is leaving or joining the party.”
While Khan claimed that the vote bank of the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) has dwindled, he asserted that the PTI will emerge victorious whenever elections are held. He remarked, “We have granted tickets to over 300 individuals, and the rest are in hiding.” Responding to a question about his renewed offer for negotiations, Khan mentioned that talks have been ongoing, but the other side has not responded. He stated, “Those who seek a solution should engage in discussions. The solution is an election, but they do not want it and are evading it.”
Khan criticized the government for the deteriorating state of the economy, warning that the country is on the path to default and experiencing the highest inflation in its history. He claimed, “Everyone is afraid of PTI.” Khan lamented the ongoing crackdown on his party following the May 9 violence, during which enraged PTI workers protesting his arrest attacked government and military installations. He argued that the constitution and the law allow peaceful protests and criticized the government for arresting 10,000 PTI workers out of a list of 23,000. Khan expressed concern that the detainees were being denied access to their lawyers and stated that if civilians are tried in military courts, democracy would be undermined. He accused the government of implementing a semi-martial law and planning to suppress the PTI.
Regarding the Supreme Court’s order to hold elections in Punjab on May 14, Khan pointed out that the elections did not take place despite the court’s directive. He asserted that the country is currently operating on a “might is right” principle and claimed that their primary objective is to eliminate the PTI and restore Nawaz Sharif, the leader of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz.
In response to reports suggesting a strained relationship with President Arif Alvi, Imran Khan dismissed them, stating, “Will Arif Alvi ever be upset with me?” He emphasized that his ties with President Alvi were misrepresented and clarified that Alvi had consulted him and signed the Supreme Court (Review of Judgements and Orders) Bill 2023. Khan noted that if Alvi had not signed the document, it would have become law regardless.