In a statement issued by Pakistan People’s Party’s official Twitter account, Zardari said that Imran’s real face had been revealed by his remarks against the country’s institutions.

“Enough is enough,” Zardari said. “After the foreign-agent’s speech of yesterday (Saturday) no patriotic citizen can even think of following him.”

The statement does not mention Imran Khan by name even once.

“A person is on the verge of destroying my country and the country of my ancestors and children,” the statement said, “we will not let this happen.” It added that the ‘one person’ will not be allowed to destroy the country and its values.

Zardari also said that Imran’s allegations against brave officers like Major General Faisal Naseer were actually an attack on the army which enjoys the support of the entire country.

“The person is using lies to fool his innocent followers,” he said, adding that he Imran’s decline is imminent.

Imran Khan has criticised Naseer as the mastermind behind the attack on his life and has also accused him of being behind the alleged custodial torture on Azam Swati and Shehbaz Gill.

Shehbaz condemns Imran for ‘maligning’ institutions

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also issued a similar statement an hour after Zardari, criticising Imran Khan for ‘maligning and threatening’ army and intelligence agencies.

“His leveling of allegations without any proof against Gen Faisal Naseer and officers of our Intelligence Agnecy cannot be allowed and will not be tolerated,” Shehbaz wrote.