Former Prime Minister Imran Khan expressed frustration over PTI leadership’s perceived “all is well” approach after agreeing conditionally to talks with the federal government. He warned that failure to address his demands could result in a call for civil disobedience.
Speaking to journalists in Adiala Jail after being indicted in the Toshakhana case, Imran Khan expressed disappointment over the lack of accountability for violence during the D-Chowk protest in November.
PTI had claimed that government forces fired directly at its protesters, killing 12 people, a claim the federal government has denied.
Criticizing the party leadership, Imran Khan said they failed to strongly raise the issue in parliament and expressed displeasure over statements that gave an impression of “all is well.” He directed the leadership to upload the names of those missing during the D-Chowk protest.
A day earlier, PTI’s interim chairman Barrister Gauhar Ali Khan had stated in the National Assembly that “if shots were fired, there should at least be accountability, regret, apologies, investigations, and compensation.”
Imran Khan questioned why the party was giving an impression of being a “friendly opposition” and called for a judicial commission to investigate the D-Chowk crackdown. He also demanded the release of PTI workers in custody, warning that if his demands were not met by December 15, the party would intensify its protest campaign, including civil disobedience and a day of mourning.
Regarding the court-martial of former ISI chief Faiz Hameed, Imran Khan said that General Faiz was working under the then-Army Chief General (R) Qamar Javed Bajwa.
Imran Khan also criticized singer Salman Ahmad for making baseless allegations against former first lady Bushra Bibi, calling his statements “foolish.”
