Former prime minister Imran Khan has claimed that he was “not at all afraid” of the arrest of former spymaster Lieutenant General (retd) Faiz Hameed, asserting that he would not be discussing the need for a judicial commission if he were fearful.

In an informal chat with journalists at Adiala Jail on Saturday, Khan addressed comments from former prime minister Nawaz Sharif, who blamed the PTI for the country’s economic decline. Khan countered that if one reads the Economic Survey of Pakistan, it is clear that the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz left a deficit of $19.5 billion, necessitating an agreement with the IMF.

While responding to allegations surrounding the events of May 9, Khan claimed that the real conspiracy was against the PTI.

He alleged that former army chief General (retd) Qamar Bajwa removed the former spymaster at Nawaz’s request, which he termed the “first conspiracy.” The second, he claimed, involved Bajwa hiring Hussain Haqqani for lobbying at a cost of $35,000, which he argued contributed to the downfall of his government.

Khan emphasised that the May 9 incident represents the “third conspiracy” against the PTI, stating the case could be resolved in an hour if the order for his arrest and the CCTV footage were made public. He demanded a judicial inquiry into the events of May 9 but alleged that the establishment was obstructing it.

Khan alleged that a fourth conspiracy against his party centers around the February 8 elections, during which he claims their mandate was stolen. He reiterated demands for an investigation into the “election fraud,” criticising the chief justice and the chief election commissioner and suggesting that the “judiciary is acting in a one-sided manner” to facilitate a two-thirds majority extension for the chief justice.

The former prime minister highlighted that his wife, Bushra Bibi, has been “unfairly implicated” in the May 9 cases, claiming that she hardly leaves their home. He warned the establishment that their actions were leading the country toward disaster.

He claimed that restrictions on media, social media, and the internet have caused a $500 million loss to the country, drawing a comparison with India, whose IT exports are valued at $160 billion. He argued that suppressing the PTI was resulting in national devastation, claiming that the government ignores court rulings that were consistent with the Constitution, thus hindering investment opportunities. He added that borrowing would only exacerbate inflation and lead to economic collapse.

Khan claimed he could still communicate via lawyers without needing a jail officer or a mobile phone, adding that mobile jammers are installed in jail. He criticised ongoing “witch hunting” against him.

He reiterated that opposition leaders in the National Assembly and Senate have been denied meetings with him, with restrictions placed on discussing political matters during such interactions.

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The PTI founder criticised CJP Qazi Faez Isa’s comments regarding the £190 million reference, suggesting they “send a clear message” that the reference was initiated due to the CJP’s order on November 23. He questioned how the CJP could make remarks while the reference was still pending.

While speaking about internal party differences and resignations, Khan urged party members Atif Khan and Junaid Khan to meet with the anti-corruption committee and avoid making the issue public unnecessarily. He emphasised the importance of understanding why the anti-corruption committee took action in the first place.

Khan stated that the committee includes former NAB Chairman Brigadier (retd) Musaddaq, senior lawyer Qazi Anwar, and Shah Farman, noting that all three members were neutral and would make a sound decision.