LAHORE: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chief Imran Khan said that PTI could opt for returning to National Assembly (NA) for interim government.  Speaking to journalists here, he said that party had completed consultations over matter. “We are in contact with some of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz’s members in NA, however, we would offer them PTI membership after test,” he added. He said that Pakistan Democratic Movement was in hot waters. “PTI-PML-Q’s nominations for Punjab caretaker Chief Minister would be acceptable to PML-N”, he added. He was sure, he reiterated, that general election would be held in April.

He said, “Bajwa doctrine” is still in progress and “Political engineering” is taking place in country. Commenting on Local Government polls in Sindh, he said that PTI’s weak organisation in Karachi compounded by rigging by Pakistan Peoples’ Party in election led to PTI’s defeat.

Responding to question on offer of merger of PTI and PML-Q, he said PML-Q could shine in future with PTI. “If PML-Q merges with PTI, it will stay successful,” he added.

Earlier, PTI decided to test Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s nerves in NA after Punjab CM Parvez Elahi advised Punjab Governor Balighur Rehman to dissolve Punjab Assembly. However, Governor refused to sign  summary which culminated in dissolution after 48 hours as per Constitution.

Imran said that Finance Minister Ishaq Dar was supposed to increase petroleum prices but did not, therefore, he added, International Monetary Fund will not release funds and foreign exchange reserve would deplete further by $ 2 billion.

Published in The Daily National Courier, January, 17 2023

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