Former prime minister Imran Khan would have to face consequences for allegedly making unwarranted allegations against the army chief and chief justice of Pakistan, PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said on Saturday.
“Last night, the whole of Pakistan read a statement of Prisoner Number 804 [Imran Khan] and for the sake of his politics and seeking relief in cases, this person has attacked every institution,” Bilawal said in his address to the National Assembly.
Deputy Speaker Ghulam Mustafa Shah presided over the session.
“I advise PTI to investigate whether or not it was Khan Sb’s statement because we were heading towards a positive direction till yesterday. We made a forum, from which I have a hope that we will do legislation for the benefit of these institutions and democracy. But yesterday, an attack was made on democracy.”
On Thursday, Khan made a post on X where he accused Chief Justice of Pakistan Qazi Faez Isa, Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, and accountability judge Humayun Dilawar of being anti-PTI.
“A small powerful elite dominates all the resources, power, and control of the country,” Khan said and added that the Supreme Court “is the only institution somewhat safe from their influence, and now it is also being attacked.”
The former prime minister reiterated his allegations against the accountability court judge and top judge.
Bilawal was of the view that it was such a “provocative statement” that on one hand contempt of court was “committed” against the CJP and on the other hand political allegations were made against the army chief to make that post controversial.
“If Khan Sb has given this statement then there are consequences of these statements as per our Constitution and law. He will have to face it and the PTI should not object to us after this,” Bilawal said and warned that the PTI founder would be responsible if his statements create problems for himself, PTI, and the democracy.
The PPP chairman sought clarification from the opposition leader if the former prime minister did not make the post. He asked who was running the social media account of Khan. “This is important to give this clarification.”
The PPP chief congratulated the party’s chapter in South Punjab, praising the elected members. He added that they have faced every challenge and his party’s supporters have reached the assembly through the power of the people.
Bilawal questioned whether the losing parties were ready to accept defeat, emphasizing that politics should not revolve around allegations of rigging. “We must trust the people’s decision. The people of Pakistan no longer stand with abusive politics; they do not stand with prisoner number 804,” he added, underscoring a shift away from divisive rhetoric in the political arena.
The PPP chief claimed that a major story was about to unfold regarding the propaganda surrounding Forms 45 and 47 during the February 8 elections. “Once the conspiracy is revealed, they won’t be able to face the public,” Bilawal said and urged the PTI to investigate who was exacerbating their problems.
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In response to Bilawal’s speech, Leader of Opposition in the NA Omar Ayub accused the PPP chief of muddying the waters with his comments. He condemned Bilawal’s statements about the PTI founder.
Omar recalled a historical moment from 1958, saying: “I am reminded of that image where my grandfather, Ayub Khan, is taking an oath from Zulfikar Ali Bhutto. We stand tall for the upholding of the Constitution.”
