Former Prime Minister and PTI Chairman Imran Khan has said that the establishment did not learn from past mistakes as “political engineering” is still going on in the country.
The former premier urged the military establishment to refrain from political engineering in the next general elections while blaming General Qamar Bajwa for pushing Pakistan into the current mess.
Addressing a women workers convention in Karachi via video link on Sunday, Imran said that PTI is the only party that could drive the country out of the current economic quagmire.
Imran reiterated that the PTI desired free and fair elections. Once that happens, a new government will come if political engineering is not carried out, he said.
The former premier said his party had started deliberating on war-footing steps they would take to rescue Pakistan when they next came into power.
“Unlike in the past, people cannot even attach their hopes to the establishment as a powerful man – Gen Bajwa – brought the country to the current stage,” he said, adding that only a strong government backed by public mandate could take difficult decisions required to heal the ailing economy.
“I fear that unfortunately, our establishment has not learned from the past. Today, we are seeing political engineering being carried out,” he said as he pointed to the rumored merger of the Muttahida Qaumi Movement’s factions and Balochistan Awami Party members joining the PPP.
“I don’t understand the purpose of all this.” He added.
Imran further said that a “weak setup” introduced through political engineering would not be able to steer the country out of the current crisis.
Imran’s statement comes days after he said that the military establishment does not appear to be neutral in the matter of the vote of confidence against Punjab Chief Minister Parvez Elahi.
“Our people are being forced to vote against Parvez Elahi in the vote of confidence. So far, at least three of our Members Provincial Assembly (MPAs) have confirmed being approached by the establishment people,” he said while speaking to the court reporters at his Zaman Park residence in Lahore.
