ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan on Sunday asserted that attempts were being made through foreign money to change the government in Pakistan, claiming to be in possession of evidence that he said would prove his point.
The premier made these remarks while addressing the “historic” power show of the ruling Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) at Parade Ground in Islamabad in the wake of opposition’s no-confidence motion against him.
PM Imran took the podium after his fellow PTI leaders took turns addressing their party workers and supporters, who have assembled at his call ahead of a no-trust move against him in the National Assembly.
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“I rarely write my speeches but I wrote this speech today so that I don’t get emotional and say anything which can affect our foreign policy,” said the premier while claiming that foreign elements were involved in changing regime in Pakistan.
He added, “Mostly inadvertently, but some people are using money against us. We know from what places attempts are being to pressure us. We have been threatened in writing but we will not compromise on national interest.”
“The letter I have is proof and I want to dare anyone who is doubting this letter. We have to decide for how long we will have to live like this. We are getting threats. There are many things about foreign conspiracy which will be shared very soon,” he added.
The premier further said, “The nation wants to know who the man sitting in London is meeting with and whose directions the characters based in Pakistan are following? I am revealing the proofs we have. I cannot talk more in detail because I have to protect the interest of my country. I do not fear anyone but I care about Pakistan’s interest.”
At the beginning of the speech, the prime minister called out the “corrupt” Opposition leaders and said whether he loses his government or his life, he would never forget them and would never give National Reconciliation Ordinance (NRO).
Addressing the workers, he said: “I invited you for Amr Bil Maroof to emphasise that our Pakistan was built on the ideology of Islamic welfare state. We had to build the country on the basis of Riyasat e Madina.”
“In Britain, free medical treatment, free education, unemployment benefits, and free legal aid is given to the people. Our Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) had created Riysat-e-Madina where the state had taken responsibility of its people,” he observed.
The prime minister also recalled what he said were his government’s measures to alleviate the burden on the public. “We are providing loans to families for housing, technical education and small businesses. As soon as our tax was enhanced, I announced a subsidy and reduced rates of petrol and ‘Fazlur Rehman’,” he said.
“I also offered a subsidy in power tariff. I promise I will spend more money on my people as our government collects more capital in taxes,” he added. The prime minister linked his crusade against corruption with the teachings of the Holy Prophet (PBUH).
“Our Prophet had also emphasised for the supremacy of law. I don’t give them NRO because my Prophet (PBUH) had explained that nations get destroyed when you punish the poor and exempt the rich,” he pointed out.
Taking a jibe at the Opposition leaders – Nawaz Sharif, Asif Zardari and Maulana Fazl – PM Imran said: “These ‘three stooges’ are looting the country for years and all this drama is being done to have Imran Khan surrender like Musharraf.”
“They are trying to blackmail the government. General Musharraf tried to save his government and gave these thieves NRO and it resulted in the destruction of Pakistan,” he said, adding: “Come what may, I will not forgive them even if my government goes or even if I lose my life.”
‘PTI’s policies’
The prime minister also pointed out some policy decisions taken by his government which he said benefited the country greatly. “Covid erupted that led to closure of the world but I did not shut my country and faced criticism. It helped save the economy,” he said.
“World Bank recently released a report, which said Pakistan is the country where poverty is minimal. Later, our growth rate was more than 6 per cent. Our exports reached a historic high. We collected unprecedented tax.
“We gave incentives to overseas Pakistanis and received record remittances. We formed an ease-of-business model for the construction sector that led to the growth of 30 other allied industries,” he added.
He further said, “We saw record crops. It happened because we facilitated our farmers. We protected them. Now Pakistan’s industries are growing rapidly. Textile industries are struggling to find labour because all industries are working at their full capacity. This is the first time government is supporting its industries.”
The premier had arrived at the venue in a helicopter as footage shared on the PTI’s Twitter account showed a large crowd in attendance, with buses and cars lined up outside.
PM, ministers make pre-power show appeal to public
In an audio message released on Twitter early today, PM Imran said that today’s rally was not just PTI’s war but belonged to the entire nation.
The premier urged supporters to reach the venue early as there were fears of blockades. “I’m scared you may not be able to reach on time because of this. “God willing, we will make history in Pakistan today,” he added.
Meanwhile, federal Information Minister Fawad Chaudhary said that a “brave nation needed a brave leader”, adding that PM Imran would never let the nation bow down. In a video message, he urged citizens to attend the “historic rally”.
Islamabad police also provided directions for participants making their way to the venue. The Islamabad deputy commissioner added that all roads were open in Islamabad while entry and exit points were clear.
