KARACHI: Awami National Party (ANP) President Senator Aimal Wali Khan while addressing ‘Meet the Press’ programme at the Karachi Press Club yesterday, accused Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) of reintroducing 40,000 terrorists into Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P), labeling it the political wing of the Taliban.  Wali slammed PTI’s founder, Imran Khan, saying, “He is no champion of democracy; he attacks state institutions when it suits him.”

Khan emphasized Karachi’s importance as Pakistan’s economic hub and cultural city, belonging equally to all ethnic communities, including Muhajirs, Sindhis, Pashtuns, and Baloch. ANP chief alleged that PTI was never a genuine political force, claiming Western and Israeli involvement in its rise. Khan questioned the legitimacy of K-P elections, citing disputed elections in three provinces.

He hinted at Ali Amin Gandapur’s potential as K-P’s chief minister, stating, “These people aren’t Imran Khan’s loyalists; they belong to other powers.” He also mentioned the upcoming political landscape, hinting at the possibility of Ali Amin Gandapur becoming the chief minister of K-P. “These people aren’t Imran Khan’s loyalists; they belong to other powers,” he said, mentioning Omar Ayub and Shibli Faraz as examples. In his speech, the ANP chief criticised Imran’s government, accusing it of selling off national assets and disrespecting the nation. “First, they sold buffaloes, and then they sold insults,” he remarked. Khan further acknowledged the importance of maintaining the country’s credibility but expressed personal opposition to a three-year extension for officials, though he recognised its necessity for national stability. On the country’s economic challenges, he lamented the reliance on loans, stating that no nation or household can thrive on borrowed money.

He called for an end to extravagant expenditures and criticised the current economic management. Concluding his speech, Khan declared that ANP and PTI could never be allies, alleging that PTI now relies on the backing of figures like Maulana Fazlur Rehman, as it is incapable of surviving politically on its own.