–Says will announce Rawalpindi arrival date tomorrow
LAHORE
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan on Friday suggested that the appointment of the Army Chief should be made like that of the Chief Justice of Supreme Court of Pakistan.
Speaking to a delegation of journalists at his home in Zaman Park, Imran Khan further said that his party will challenge any amendment to Pakistan Army Act in top court. The former prime minister claimed that the current government is amending the Pakistan Army Act (PPA) 1952 in order to gain benefits.
He alleged that the rulers want to balance the status of the Army with the Punjab police by making amendments to the PAA 1952. Recalling his claims that PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif wants the appointment of such Army Chief, who would waive his [Nawaz] cases and bring him back to power.
He also lashed out at Nawaz Sharif and former president Asif Ali Zardari over the matter of the EVMs. He added that though he did not meet the Army Chief in Lahore, it was President Arif Alvi who called on the Army Chief to merely talk on the matter of snap polls with transparency.
Talking about his health, the former premier said that the doctors would examine him tomorrow and will brief him about his well-being. Meanwhile, by revealing his plan, the PTI chairman vowed to lead the PTI’s cavalcade from Rawalpindi by himself.
Imran Khan said that he will announce final date for the party’s long march entering Rawalpindi in the next 24 hours. He said that he will announce the future strategy and PTI’s Haqeqi Azadi March entry in Rawalpindi tomorrow (Saturday).
Imran Khan commented on the assassination of noted journalist Arshad Sharif, saying that “everyone is aware of the violence against him [Arshad Sharif].” While claiming that no other talks are taking place, Imran stated that he will only become Prime Minister if he exercises all of his powers.
It is not possible to rule the country when responsibility is on one individual’s shoulders, while all the powers are enjoyed by somebody else, added Imran. Expressing his reservations over the prime suspect of the assassination attempt on him [Imran] in Wazirabad incident, Imran said, “I am feared of the evidences might get wasted within 14 days as the key accused has to be produced before the court after 14 days.”
Commending the role of Punjab CM Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi, Imran said, “The way our alliance is working with Chaudhry Pervaiz is just remarkable.” The PTI chief, on the other hand, accused the current regime of economic catastrophe as he berated the rulers by sharing a post on his Twitter account.
Imran said, “As I had predicted six months back that the regime change conspiracy would throw our economy into tailspin destroying our capability to service our debts. The two crooked families who ruled Pakistan for almost 3 decades never had the integrity or competence to build our economy.
On the other hand, Punjab police have finalised a security plan to welcome the long march of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) which is likely to enter the city on Saturday. As per the security plan finalized for Imran Khan after the gun attack in Wazirabad, more than 10,000 policemen will be deployed for security.
Sharpshooters will be deployed at the buildings on the route of the long march convoy, while the march will be monitored through CCTV and drone cameras. At least 15 sections (each consisting of five fully armed commandos, one vehicle, and a driver), of elite force and 122 commandos will also be deployed while more than 1,500 personnel, consisting of 75 reserves of police, will be on standby to deal with any emergency situation.
In the case of Imran Khan’s participation in the march, he will be provided with “a box security cover in the style of the security of former prime ministers”. Moreover, special security teams will surround the container of former prime minister Imran Khan during long march in Rawalpindi.
