ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan has said new elections can be called if he survives the no-confidence motion against him, but categorically ruled out resigning from his post.
The prime minister said that he knew that a “foreign conspiracy” was being hatched in London to topple his government since August last year. “This game started in August. I received reports about people frequently visiting London from here and reports from agencies,” said the prime minister during an interview with a private TV channel
He alleged that Nawaz Sharif was plotting against his government. “He [Nawaz] was frequently holding meetings with individuals who are against military and held last meeting with Hussain Haqqani on March 3,” he claimed.
He said both the PML-N and PPP have brought such disgrace to the country that foreign powers are openly calling for regime change in Pakistan.
Life under threat
Prime Minister Imran Khan said that he has credible information that his life is in danger but he will continue fighting for an independent and democratic country.
He said the opposition, which be blamed as being part of the conspiracy will also resort to his character assassination. “My life is under threat but they [Opposition] have also planned for my character assassination. Not only myself but my wife too will be a target,” said the prime minister.
PM Imran Khan said his life was under threat because he did not suit those involved in the conspiracy as well as “people like Shehbaz Sharif are slaves to money”.
“All those who have colluded against me, know that I will not sit silently,” the prime minister went on, adding, “What do they think? They will spend Rs20 billion, Rs25 billion and topple my government and I will watch silently?”
Three options
PM Imran Khan said if he was given three options by the establishment- resignation, vote of no-confidence, or early elections about whether the opposition, government or “another party” had proposed early elections and his resignation
“We said elections is the best option, I cannot even think about resigning and as far as the no-confidence vote is concerned, I believe in fighting till the end,” he said, adding it will be very difficult for the opposition to form government.
When asked whether he was prepared to go for early elections, he replied, “If we win this [no-confidence] vote, it is a very good idea to go for early elections.”
To a question about what would the government’s move in case the opposition’s no-trust motion fails, he answered that will make a strategy in the coming days.
However, he refused to hold any talks with PML-N President Shehbaz Sharif. He maintained that he will let no-confidence vote pass, whether he loses or wins as he wants the nation to see the faces of people who conspired against their own country.
“If we survive (the no-confidence vote), we cannot of course work and early elections are the best option, I will urge my nation to give me simple majority so that I won’t have to do compromises,” said the PM.
He once again stated a foreign country expressed disapproval over him personally and demanded that he be ousted through no-confidence vote so that Pakistan can be “forgiven” and even objected to the independent foreign policy.
