Imran Khan, the founder of PTI, expressed that his primary regret from his tenure as prime minister was trusting former army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa. Khan accused Bajwa of spreading falsehoods to secure a second term as the chief of army staff.
Currently imprisoned in Adiala Jail facing numerous charges, Khan criticized Pakistan’s political and military leaders, particularly General Bajwa, in an interview with journalist Mehdi Hasan for Zeteo, published on Wednesday.
The interview was conducted through a letter, with questions sent to Imran Khan by Mehdi Hasan, who could not ask follow-up questions.
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When asked who he blames for his imprisonment, Imran responded: “I believe General Bajwa orchestrated this entire situation. I don’t blame anyone else. He meticulously planned this, spreading lies to create chaos and secure his extension as army chief.”
In 2019, while he was prime minister, Imran approved a three-year extension for Gen Bajwa just before his retirement. However, in a 2022 interview, Imran admitted this was a mistake. “General Bajwa didn’t understand the damage his actions caused to democracy and Pakistan,” Imran said.
When asked if he still believed the US was involved in his removal, Imran placed the blame solely on General Bajwa. “General Bajwa spread stories about me to countries like the US, portraying me as anti-American,” Imran stated. “His lust for power made him unpredictable, like a bull in a china shop.”
Imran emphasized his lifelong fight for the rule of law in Pakistan. He mentioned that if justice were fair, there would be no need for someone like him in politics.
He also noted that he maintains good relations with most countries, especially after his government was toppled, contradicting Mehdi’s comment about his conflicts with Saudi Arabia and Pakistani leaders. “General Bajwa’s actions may have had a short-term effect, but they won’t last,” Imran said.
“Many countries see our army as a stabilizing force. When the army chief uses deceit, it becomes hard for other countries to speak out. I don’t mind if no one speaks about my treatment, but the world should support democracy and the 250 million people of Pakistan whose rights have been stolen.”
Since the February 8 elections, which his party could not contest after losing its symbol, Imran has been open to dialogue if the “stolen mandate” is returned, referring to alleged election rigging.
When asked if he recognized the current government, Imran said it “lacks legitimacy” and that PML-N “barely won any seats in Parliament.” He claimed that violence and election rigging were evident. “After the elections, it took them nearly two days to change the results,” he said.
Imran urged Mehdi to investigate the alleged tampering of Form 45. He claimed that any Pakistani would agree that the current government is not legitimate. “My party’s victory was clear, despite their efforts to undermine us,” he said.
Imran stated he had no regrets and was only fulfilling “his duty as a Pakistani and a Muslim.” He attributed his popularity to his honesty, saying, “They know no amount of money can buy me. They know I will never bow down and disappoint them.”
When asked about his message to the world, Imran said, “This is not just about Imran Khan. This is an attack on democracy and the rights of 250 million people.” He highlighted the targeting of his party, including attacks on PTI members, blocking social media, and banning his name on TV.
“Every party in this country describes this election as the worst in our history. Elections should bring stability by earning the people’s trust. This election has done the opposite, creating more uncertainty and distrust,” he concluded.
