ISLAMABAD: Ruling coalition Pakistan Democratic Movement's leaders are severely criticising PTI Chairman Imran Khan for alleging former President and PPP co-Chairman Asif Ali Zardari of plotting an alleged murder attempt on him. Imran Khan alleged former President Asif Ali Zardari of 'funding those who planned to kill him'. However, no proof was revealed by him.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said Imran Niazi's baseless and dangerous allegations against Asif Ali Zardari are not only irresponsible but also conform to pattern of conspiracy theories meant to spread venom against his political opponents.

"Imran Niazi's baseless and dangerous allegations against former President Asif Ali Zardari are not only irresponsible but also conform to pattern of conspiracy theories meant to spread venom against his political opponents," Shehbaz said in Tweet on Sunday. "Such nonsensical rhetoric is an attempt to remain politically relevant. Whole nation knows how he has used politics of hatred to divide society for sake of power," he said in subsequent Tweet.

"A person who himself is patron of militants is saying plot to kill him has been made by hiring militants. This tells what Khan's mental level is," said another PPP leader, Farhatullah Babar.

"We are exploring legal response to Imran's latest defamatory and dangerous accusations. In past, he threatened my father that he was in crosshairs of his gun," Foreign Minister and PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari tweeted.

"After terrorist outfits called myself and my party out by name in direct threats, Imran has now made false accusations against my father Asif Zardari." "His [Imran's] latest accusation that my family has any association to terrorist organisation not only defies logic but exposes us all to an increased threat," Bilawal said.

A day earlier PPP leaders announced party would start legal proceedings if Khan did not withdraw his allegation. "In this panic, he keeps on blaming various institutions whether it is establishment, Election Commission or former Army Chief," said Nayyar Bokhari PPP leader while addressing press conference.

Published in The Daily National Courier, January, 30 2023

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