Islamabad: PTI Chairman Imran Khan claimed that a conspiracy was being hatched to topple PTI government in Punjab, alleging that his ministers in province were being threatened to accept bribes by "Mr X and Mr Y". Addressing a rally in Chishtian, he said that PTI's Punjab lawmakers were being offered bribes worth millions of rupees. "And Mr X and Mr Y are threatening them to accept these bribes."

Imran implied that Punjab government would be toppled via a no-trust vote and subsequently showed a series of past statements by PML-N leaders where they could could be heard saying that establishment played a "third party" role in no-confidence movement against him earlier this year. "So if no-confidence vote succeeds in Punjab, then according to them-PML-N, it will be done by establishment," he said.

Elaborating on his claim further, PTI Chief stated that "conspiracy was being hatched" to bring PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif back to country. However, Imran said that he was unfazed by Nawaz's return. "I am waiting for you to come back. And when you do, it is my promise that nation will welcome you in a way which has never been seen before in country." But, PTI chief contended, "While nation is reeling from floods and there is an economic crisis, you are playing these political gimmicks". "Don't you have any care for country and its people? You are destroying everything."

Imran also criticised suspension of YouTube service across Pakistan during his Peshawar rally yesterday, saying that government was cracking down on journalists supporting PTI and channels showing his speeches out of fear. "They are scared and want to disqualify me," he said, adding that it was why "fake cases" were being registered against him. "But now that all of their techniques are failing, they are trying to turn institutions-Army and judiciary against me. "But, let me warn you, no matter what you do, you will be defeated," PTI Chief added.

Published in The Daily National Courier, September, 08 2022

Like Business on Facebook, follow @DailyNCourier on Twitter to stay informed and join in the conversation.