Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf Chief Imran Khan said on Friday that Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif should respond to allegations of money laundering and tax evasion in front of the parliament. 

While talking to media here on Friday, Khan said that Justice Qazi Faez Isa's report on the Quetta Civil Hospital attack raises questions over the government's performance.

"An inquiry commission under the Supreme Court on Thursday slammed the Federal Interior Minister, Baluchistan Chief Minister and Home Minister for providing misleading information following the deadly terrorist attack in Quetta which claimed 78 lives in August this year," Imran said.

He said the commission criticised the government and state apparatus in its "monumental failure to combat terrorism and perform basic protocols."

Khan called out Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar over the report's findings and said the minister should either respond to the allegations or resign. The PTI chairman questioned if the government was creating an impression that the new chief justice and army chief favoured the ruling party.

"[Leader of Opposition in National Assembly] Khurshid Shah has stated in the Parliament that there was an impression that the new Chief Justice of Pakistan has a soft corner for the PML-N while the changes in military ranks also suggest so," said Imran.

He said he did not know if there was any truth in it. "What I know is that Maryam Nawaz tweeted that the storm has passed. What does this mean? With such statements, the government is itself projecting the perception that some sort of change is suiting them."

Observing that the case was pending before the Supreme Court, the PTI Chairman asked how the "stormed had passed". "What sort of messages are they giving to the masses? Are they not giving an impression that the new Army Chief and Chief Justice are of their choice"? "The stormed hasn't passed since the case is pending in the apex court," he remarked.

"Maryam Nawaz in her current capacity should not issue such statements and undermine the institutions," Imran said and added that he would attend the parliamentary session when Nawaz Sharif will respond to the allegations levelled against him.

He said people misunderstood the meaning of 'U-turn'. "Changing your stance or lying is a U-turn," said the PTI chief. "We wanted to hold the PM accountable and that is what we are trying to do," he said. "I refuse to recognise Ayaz Sadiq as the Speaker of the National Assembly," said Imran. He also praised the Pakistan Army for carrying out an effective operation against militants.

-Business Recorder