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- Information Minister Announces Expanded Investigation into Gen Faiz, Urges Institutional Self-Accountability
- Khan Claims Ex-ISI Chief’s Reassignment Was Part of Scheme Against His Government
- PML-N Senator: Talks with PTI Contingent on Demonstrating Genuine Intent
ISLAMABAD: On Saturday, the government accused PTI founder Imran Khan of orchestrating a political scheme alongside a retired general and other individuals to create chaos and discord in the country. The information minister suggested that the scope of the investigation into Gen Faiz Hameed and his alleged collaborators would be broadened in the coming days.
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In a recent development, after previously distancing himself from the former intelligence chief who is currently facing court martial proceedings, Mr Khan appeared to support claims of their close association. He stated that the general’s transfer to the Peshawar corps was part of a plot against the PTI government.
During a press conference, the information minister stated that following Gen Faiz Hameed’s arrest, the army conducted transparent investigations through their internal accountability mechanism. He alluded to further actions in the near future and claimed that Imran Khan had conspired with these individuals to spread disorder in the country.
“This was a political alliance, spearheaded by the PTI founder, which was connected to Gen Faiz and other associates,” he said, adding that the investigation’s scope would certainly expand.
The minister alleged that evidence was emerging which showed the PTI founder was “in contact” with these alleged conspirators during the no-confidence vote and even after his imprisonment, with ongoing communication between this “political alliance.”
He emphasized that other institutions should practice the same level of self-accountability demonstrated by the army.
Khan’s Stance on Gen Faiz’s Transfer
Speaking to media after a hearing in the £190m corruption case at Adiala jail, Imran Khan stated his belief that the transfer of retired Gen Faiz Hameed from his position as ISI chief to Peshawar corps commander was part of a scheme to overthrow his regime. Khan claimed this was orchestrated by former army chief Qamar Javed Bajwa at Nawaz Sharif’s behest.
Khan maintained that the PTI still demands a judicial inquiry into the May 9 incidents, but the establishment seems reluctant. He also alleged efforts to secure a two-thirds majority for the ruling coalition and an extension for the current Supreme Court chief justice.
On Friday, Khan announced his intention to run for the position of chancellor of Oxford University while incarcerated.
PML-N’s Stance on Talks with PTI
PML-N Senator Irfan Siddiqui indicated that his party would no longer repeatedly reach out to the PTI for talks, reiterating that the latter needed to approach them with seriousness.
In an interview with DawnNews, Mr Siddiqui said, “We repeatedly stated ‘alright, you’ve entered the House — however you managed — so at least convene at that level and attempt to resolve your issues’.”
“They are unwilling to talk, and we’ve decided that we won’t repeatedly call out to them from our rooftops saying ‘come, talk to us’,” the politician added.
However, he stated that the PML-N and its coalition partners would “consider whether to open the door or not” for talks with the PTI if they “approached it seriously.”
The senator emphasized that dialogue depended on when the PTI would realize that “we shouldn’t have talks with the army but with politicians.”
He added that perhaps Mahmood Khan Achakzai, chief of the Pakhtunkhwa Milli Awami Party and leader of the opposition alliance, would be “successful in making [the PTI] understand” that dialogue among political parties was necessary.
