Former prime minister Imran Khan has alleged that decision-makers were indifferent to the nation’s welfare and that intelligence agencies have been tasked with dismantling his political party.

“Political parties, not the military, can unite the people. If that were the case, East Pakistan would not have separated,” he told reporters in an informal conversation at the Adiala Jail on Friday. “PTI is the only party capable of bringing the public together.”

He spoke to journalists after a hearing regarding a £190 million corruption reference against him and his wife, Bushra Bibi. The case was adjourned until next month.

Khan highlighted what he sees as the country’s “greatest” challenge: the economy. He added that while it was previously reported that the “lowest investment in 50 years had occurred, it has been revealed that this year has seen the lowest investment in the nation’s history.”

The national income was dwindling, debts were rising, and the country was heading towards disaster, he claimed and added that political instability and increasing terrorism were significant contributors to the economy.

Khan criticised the political climate, attributing the instability to “fraudulent elections.”

He also highlighted the rising tide of terrorism, stating that while initial blame was placed on settlement plans for the increase in violence, it was now being claimed that terrorism was coming from across the border. The former prime minister questioned who would invest in the country amid rising crime, terrorism from groups like the banned TTP and violence in areas like Balochistan, all “while intelligence agencies focus on eliminating PTI.”

Khan expressed concerns about the growing threat of “provincialism” in Pakistan, citing recent protests in Punjab stemming from acts of terrorism in Balochistan. He claimed that the PTI was the “only true federal party”.

He claimed that efforts were being made to weaken his party and those making such decisions do not care about the country’s welfare. He stressed the need for bringing the Baloch people on board amid the current situation in Balochistan.

The PTI founder noted that there was growing frustration among party members over the postponement of a rally in Islamabad, claiming that while other parties continue to hold events, PTI has been denied the same opportunity. He reiterated that the decision to postpone the rally was made to prevent unrest in the country, considering the protests by religious parties and a cricket match.

Khan reiterated that those who abandoned the PTI during difficult times have no place in the party. He indicated that very few individuals left out of necessity during challenging times, stating: “Those who were present during good times and left during bad times have no place with us.”

He further clarified that he would not name individuals who left the party, asserting that he would not welcome them back. Khan reassured loyal members who endured hardships alongside the party that their commitment would be recognised and valued.

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Hearing

An accountability court in Islamabad postponed the hearing of the case until September 4. Judge Nasir Javed Rana conducted the hearing at the jail, where both Khan and Bibi were presented before the court. Defence attorneys Zahir Abbas and Usman Gil represented the couple while Sardar Muzaffar Abbasi appeared on behalf of the National Accountability Bureau.

The defence attorneys attempted to cross-examine investigative officer Umar Nadeem regarding the £190 million reference, but the examination was not completed. A contempt of court petition was filed by Bibi’s lawyer Usman Gil due to NAB’s failure to respond to her plea for acquittal after eight hearings.

The court has directed the jail administration to facilitate phone calls between Khan and his children. The next hearing will continue with the defence’s cross-examination of the investigative officer.