Imran blames ‘foreign powers’ trying to topple his govt

Islamabad, March 27: Addressing a poorly attended public rally in Islamabad, Pakistan’s embattled Prime Minister Imran Khan on Sunday claimed that ‘foreign powers’ were behind the proposed no-confidence motion being brought up against him in the National Assembly by the opposition, Dawn reported. Khan said that the opposition’s no-trust move is part of an alleged “foreign-funded conspiracy” hatched against his government for his refusal to have Pakistan’s foreign policy be influenced by other countries. Khan made these allegations at his party’s power show titled Amr Bil Maroof (enjoin the good) and billed as a “historic” event at Parade Ground in Islamabad here on Sunday. Khan began his speech by thanking his supporters for gathering in the capital at his call, adding “I want to speak my heart out and I want you to listen to me quietly. I invited you for Amr Bil Maroof to emphasize 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. Khan further said, “I want to clarify that I also did not know the ideology of Pakistan for quite some time. I left for abroad at the age of 18. As I began to understand religion, I noticed that the orders of Allah to the Holy Prophet (PBUH) were implemented more in the West. Our Prophet had created Riysat-e-Madina where the state had taken responsibility for its people.” The prime minister linked his crusade against corruption with the teachings of the Holy Prophet (PBUH). Khan’s speech lasted almost two hours, in which he discussed his political ideology, recalled his government’s achievements and criticized his opponents. Taking a dig at the opposition Khan said: “Times have changed. This is not the era of Zulfikar Ali Bhutto. This is the era of social media. Nothing can be hidden. We will not accept anyone’s dictation. We will have friendships with everyone but we will not submit ourselves to anyone”. Khan accused the opposition of being used by ‘foreign powers’ to destabilize his government, and said “Attempts are being made through foreign money to change the government in Pakistan. Our people are being used. 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.” Khan claimed to have evidence of the conspiracy to topple his government, “I am placing the case of Pakistan’s independence before you. The letter I have is proof and I want to ask anyone who is doubting this letter. I will invite them off the record. We have to decide 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.” Khan said, “These ‘three stooges’ have been 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.” “Today I stand proud that entire world is acknowledging that we protected the economy as well as people from the Covid pandemic.” He also cited a World Bank report, saying that Pakistan has lowest unemployment rate in the South Asia due to his government’s “prudent policies”. (UNI)