Former prime minister Imran Khan has clarified that his stance on Israel aligned with Pakistan’s position, a day after an opinion piece in the Jerusalem Post claimed that the PTI founder favoured normalisation of ties with Israel.
“My stance on Israel aligns with Pakistan’s position,” he told reporters in an informal conversation at the Adiala Jail on Saturday.
Khan’s statement was in reaction to an article in a leading Israeli publication by foreign policy analyst Harry Richer. He alleged that Khan gave signs that he would favour a normalisation of ties between Pakistan and Israel, however, the military’s tough stance stands in the way of such a change.
Pakistan does not have diplomatic ties with Tel Aviv, and believes in a “two-state solution in accordance with the relevant United Nations and OIC resolutions as well as international law, with pre-1967 borders and Al-Quds Al-Sharif (Jerusalem) as the capital of Palestine”.
The former prime minister stated that any talks with Israel should be held after Gaza ceasefire and reiterated the country’s demand for a two-state solution. He said that propaganda has been “rampant” since the article’s publication.
He added that the article mentioned his “credibility” in the West and Muslim world.
Moreover, Khan announced a rally in Rawalpindi on September 28.
While responding to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s statement urging unity for national progress, Khan said that peace comes through justice. He claimed that the elections were rigged and PTI workers were jailed following the events of May 9, with no investigations taking place. “Without justice, there will be no peace in the country. What peace will your upcoming amendments bring?”
Khan criticised the “judicial and electoral oversight,” stating that “the chief justice and the chief election commissioner function both as umpires and opening batsmen while the third umpire is effectively controlling the game from behind the scenes.”
He highlighted the “worsening” economic situation, stating that rising debt was due to “stagnant income and lack of investment,” with many people leaving the country.
The PTI founder also mentioned the turnout at PTI rallies, claiming that no other party has held such large gatherings in Pakistan’s history. He criticised the government’s alleged attempts to hinder their events, including last-minute restrictions and the detention of 500 PTI members before rallies.
Also, read this
Gandapur’s 15-Day ultimatum for Imran Khan’s release expires without result
Imran Khan could play key role in Pakistan-Israel relations: Israeli media blog
Despite such obstacles, he praised the determination of supporters who walk to attend events.
He also criticised the Lahore High Court for “failing to address violations” of fundamental rights. Khan announced that the party will hold a rally in Rawalpindi next week and urged party members to seek permission from the high court for the event. He warned that if they were denied permission they would protest against the decision.
