LAHORE: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf Chairman Imran Khan has asserted that he never offered life-time extension to former Chief of Army staff (COAS) Qamar Javed Bajwa.

In an interview to private news channel, he claimed that country’s economy was improving when his government was in power but unfortunately it was ousted throughconspiracy.

Recalling his government performance, Imran Khan claimed that country growth rate was at 6 percent while information technology (IT) exports were increasing. They-incumbent rulers thought people of Pakistan will not come out against this conspiracy, he said.

It is lie that I offered life-time extension to Qamar Javed Bajwa, Imran Khan said, adding that former Army Chief was only man behind conspiracy against him and his government.

He further said that Qamar Bajwa˜plan was to weaken his party. He [Bajwa] considered Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif a wise person, he said, adding that he already knew that former COAS had given an offer to PML-N President.

I was aware of these conspiracies, but still I gave benefit of doubt to General Bajwa. However, I later realised that he was only man behind conspiracy against him and his government, he added.

Referring to elections in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa he said that his party dissolved assemblies because Constitution states that elections should be held within 90 days after dissolution of assembly. He reiterated that incumbent government was afraid of elections and cannot defeat most popular party even with rigging.

Imran Khan said he is ready to hold talks on elections. I have no contacts with anyone, but ready for talks on elections. No need for talks if elections are not held. Imran Khan reiterated his resolve that he will not negotiate with corrupts and thieves.

How will I negotiate with those who are corrupts and thieves, Khan said. If elections are not held now, chances for polls in October are less. He also alleged that PTI seats were deliberately decreased in 2018 general elections.

Lashing out at Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz supremo Nawaz Sharif for making undue statements against Supreme Court bench hearing election delay case, PTI Chief claimed it is his hobby to divide Supreme Court for his personal gains. Whole nation stands firmly united with Supreme Court, he maintained. Earlier, Imran Khan appealed to nation to stand united for supremacy of Constitution in country.

Addressing PTI workers and supporters via video link Imran Khan warned that country would not be able to survive if nation does not stand for supremacy of Constitution.

Published in The Daily National Courier, April, 03 2023

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