Rawalpindi: PTI founder Imran Khan has said that his only regret from his time in power was trusting former Army Chief General (retd) Qamar Javed Bajwa, whom he held responsible for "Creating lies and false narratives", allegedly to secure second extension as military head.

Khan blasted Pakistan's political and military leaders with special focus on his friend-turned-foe Gen Bajwa in an interview with journalist. interview was conducted through letter Mehdi sent with questions for Imran, and journalist was not allowed to ask follow-up questions.

When asked who he blames for his imprisonment, Imran said, "I am certain that this ordeal was orchestrated by General Bajwa. I hold no one else responsible. "He meticulously planned and executed this scheme, presenting himself as deceitful figure, creating lies and false narratives to cause national and international chaos-all to secure his extension.

When asked whether he still believed administration of US President Joe Biden was involved in coup to remove him from office, Imran put blame firmly and solely on ex-Chief of Army Staff Bajwa.

"General Bajwa single-handedly spread stories about me to countries like US, painting me as anti-American or uninterested in good relations with them," he said. "His insatiable thirst for power rendered him unpredictable," Imran said, adding "[Gen Bajwa's] personal greed turned him into bull in china shop."

PTI founder stated that he has consistently fought for rule of law in Pakistan, adding that if justice were served equally, there would be no need for someone like him in country's politics. He said he has maintained good relations with most countries, especially after his government was toppled.

"Most countries view our Army as stabilising force in volatile political landscape. When Chief of this 'one constant' uses brute force and deceit, it becomes difficult for many countries to speak out.

"I don't mind if no one speaks about my treatment, but world should raise its voice for democracy and 250 million people of Pakistan, whose mandate has been stolen in broad daylight." When asked whether he recognised current government, Imran said it "Lacks legitimacy" and that PML-N "Barely won any seats in Parliament".

He urged Mehdi to look into alleged tampering of Form 45, which he said "They couldn't even do [that] properly." Imran claimed that any Pakistani would share his view that current government was not legitimate. "My party's victory was clear, despite their efforts to undermine our identity and leadership."

He told journalist that he did not regret his actions and was only fulfilling "His duty as Pakistani and Muslim". "They know no amount of money can buy or change me," he said. "They know I will never bow down and disappoint them."

When asked what his message to world was, Imran reiterated that this was "Not just about Imran Khan. This is an attack on democracy and right to self-determination of 250 million people. "Only one political party has been attacked in every conceivable way," he said. "Every party in this country describes this election as worst in our history.

Published in The Daily National Courier, May, 31 2024

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