Asks opposition to prepare for next polls
ISLAMABAD
Prime Minister Imran Khan has said that he is “not anti-American” and wants stronger ties with the United States on the basis of mutual respect.
During his televised public interaction in “Aapka Wazir-e-Azam Aap Kay Saath” programme on Monday, the premier stated that he does not feel mal-intent towards the US, but rather aims towards a mutual friendship with the superpower, free from interference in domestic affairs against public interest.
“I am not against any country, I am not anti-American, but yes, we can be against certain policies. I want the two countries to have a friendship…which means having mutual respect,” said the premier.
“When a country gives an order to another country and you fight their war, hear ‘do more’ while you lose your people and suffer devastation in your country and in the end do not even say thank you – that is what I am against.”
The PM’s statements referred to the ruling party’s allegations that the vote of no-confidence against him in the National Assembly (NA) was funded by foreign powers. In response to questions, he remarked that the United States’ interference would create poor relations between the countries.
“Death is better than servitude to another country,” Imran said and blamed the leaders of the joint opposition for “indulging the bad habits” of foreign powers.
The premier also accused the opposition of accepting foreign funds to buy Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) lawmakers. He further stated that the opposition had used public funds to garner support in the lower house. “I have access to money from four provinces, my government could afford to bribe opposition lawmakers – but what message would that send?” he stated.
The prime minister further said that opposition leader Shehbaz Sharif is guilty of selling Pakistan off to foreign states – referring to the former’s statement “beggars can’t be choosers”, the premier accused Shehbaz of creating those ‘beggars’.
The premier vehemently stated that the members of the opposition have no fear of repercussions for breaking the law, “they should be in jail, no other country would allow this”.
While expressing his wonder over the opposition parties’ ongoing tactics, he advised them to go to public and contest the next elections. The prime minister said that during the last three-and-a-half-year, the opposition only wanted to get NRO-II and their whole efforts revolved around this objective. When he announced elections, so what the opposition is doing in the Supreme Court, he asked and questioned why they want restoration of the National Assembly. He alleged that their efforts are focused on returning to power so that they could do away with the National Accountability Bureau by securing NRO-II.
Responding to various public queries, the prime minister said the opposition leaders have always played fixed matches and now their efforts are afoot to secure their vested interests by ending the corruption cases.
Replying to a query of a caller, the prime minister said that in the next elections, they would give party tickets to those persons who only thought of the country.
It is better to lose than emerge triumphant with such ‘turn coats’. He said the recent issue of purchase of loyalties of the members of the parliament by the opposition, the democratic values in the country have been marred.
The prime minister informed that on Monday night, he along with his party leaders and workers would participate in a protest procession outside the Red Zone in Islamabad to register a protest against the opposition for playing part in the foreign conspiracy. He said that he has complete confidence in the nation to reject those elements who have sold out their loyalties for their petty personal interests.
The prime minister urged the people to hold peaceful demonstrations against such shabby tactics of horse-trading. The letter which was shared in the National Security Committee and a parliamentary committee was clear evidence, which also proved the opposition’s role in the foreign planned conspiracy to topple the government through a vote of no confidence.
The prime minister further urged the people to stand with virtue and negate vices by resisting the dacoits and thieves. He said the opposition had fears that if the PTI government completed its tenure, their political gimmickry would end forever like in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa where in the second phase of local government elections, people had voted for the PTI, eliminating all other political parties.
The prime minister criticised the performance of the Sindh government by terming it as ‘worst’ because it has failed to alleviate poverty and unemployment in the province. He regretted that Karachi has been lagging behind in terms of progress and development.
The prime minister proposed the introduction of modern local and city government systems for the mega cities so that they could generate their own revenues and overcome their issues.
The prime minister also cited the major achievements of his government on the economic front, including the highest growth rate, increase in exports, booming of textile and construction industries, highest remittances, tax and wealth collection. He also appreciated the performance of former chief minister of Punjab Usman Buzdar for his tireless efforts to develop the province. The prime minister said the facility of Sehat cards had been the biggest relief for the poor families. TLTP
