‘If I answer, it will cause a lot of damage to country’: Imran

Former Prime Minister and PTI chairman Imran Khan has asked the purpose of holding a “political presser” if institutions are apolitical, warning if he starts giving answers, it will cause a lot of damage to the country.

During an interview with journalist Amir Mateen aired on 92 News on Thursday, the former premier reacted to the unprecedented press conference held by Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) chief Lt Gen Nadeem Ahmed Anjum and Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) DG Lt Gen Babar Iftikhar earlier today, saying today’s press conference was “unprecedented” and “never heard of”.

“Either there should be some issue that concerns them, like security, but they held a political press conference so I don’t understand this,” PTI chief said “Could the defense or interior minister or prime minister not have done this? What was their [the institutions’] job in holding the press conference?”

 “Ever since I was removed from the government, I tried the best to prevent any harm to the country and army from my side. I know that if I say anything about the establishment it will impact the army.”

Imran Khan said that if he started giving answers “it will cause a lot of damage to the country”.

“If I respond to a press conference like this one, it will directly affect our army, and I don’t want to in any way injure them. I always strive to be constructive and helpful in my criticism because of this.” Imran remarked.

He went on to say that he had been condemning “dirty Harry” for torturing Azam Swati and Shahbaz Gill. He claimed that “dirty Harry” had recently been posted to Islamabad.

“Our goal is to be critical of them. Who are you hurting with these activities that you’re taking? What is transpiring as a result of these acts that damage the nation?” he added.

Speaking of “backdoor negotiations,” Imran said that he was aware of the “plot” to overthrow his administration prior to the no-confidence vote.

“I have often stated in front of the public that I informed Gen. Bajwa that the economy will suffer if this plot is successful at this time.

“I warned and mentioned that an extension was being discussed here.” Imran said, “I told him we can do the same if they’re giving you [an extension].”

 “To say that I was making deals in closed rooms […] what would I achieve from a deal? I said do this for Pakistan. But they didn’t stop the conspiracy and look what happened.”

Imran explained the “agreement,” stating that the meeting occurred at the President House. “And in it, one thing was expressed […] what I have said publicly on countless occasions […] that there is no other way except for elections.”

Imran claimed that everyone was aware that journalist Arshad Sharif had been killed in an effort to silence him.

“Look at his shows, and after that, consider who was put in danger as a result of him […] look at his tweets. This is open to view. Why did people turn out in such large numbers for his funeral? The truth about him was widely known.”

“The truth about Arshad Sharif won’t ever be concealed. His life was in danger, he wrote in a letter to the Islamabad High Court and President Arif Alvi. When he stated the same thing to me, I told him to leave the country,” the PTI chairman continued, adding that on the contrary, he was so brave he didn’t want to go.