Ahsan Iqbal: Imran Khan is a Criminal, Not a Political Prisoner, and Will Not Be Released
Federal Minister for Planning and Development, Ahsan Iqbal, has firmly stated that Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan is a criminal, not a political prisoner, and emphasized that the government will not be releasing him. His comments came in response to the issue surrounding the former prime minister’s receipt of gifts, which he allegedly sold for personal profit at low prices.
Iqbal also took aim at PTI’s leadership, blaming it for the country’s economic downfall during their four years in power. Speaking at a press conference on Friday, he expressed deep concern about the destructive consequences of PTI’s governance, stating that their actions had led Pakistan into a severe economic crisis.
“The incompetence of PTI’s leadership over the last four years has pushed the nation to the brink of disaster,” Iqbal remarked. “Currently, PTI is involved in actions that even extremist groups like RAW never dared to execute in the past.”
He further accused PTI of plotting against Pakistan’s military and forming alliances with foreign adversaries, which he claimed had harmed the country’s international reputation, especially in the West.
Addressing the country’s economic struggles, Iqbal reassured the public that the federal government is taking robust steps to stabilize the economy. He highlighted a 30% increase in remittances under the current administration and noted the global shift in perceptions of Pakistan’s economic outlook since the government took charge. “Under our leadership, the global view of Pakistan’s economy has improved significantly,” he said.
Iqbal also discussed the federal government’s “Uraan” initiative, a program aimed at boosting economic growth, stressing that economic stability hinges on a peaceful environment, without which foreign investors would be reluctant to invest.
He continued his criticism of PTI, accusing the party’s leadership of attempting to undermine Pakistan’s legal institutions. Unlike the PTI, which he claimed has worked to tarnish the country’s image, Iqbal asserted that the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) had chosen to resolve its legal issues within the country’s courts.
“We never tried to damage the country’s reputation,” he stated. “It is PTI that has caused harm to Pakistan’s global standing.”
Iqbal further alleged that PTI’s leadership had misused public funds, accusing former Prime Minister Imran Khan of directing Rs50 billion into a friend’s account, describing it as a clear example of corruption. “If this is not theft, then what is it?” he asked.
In closing, Iqbal reiterated that the federal government’s primary focus is on improving the country’s economic health, building infrastructure, and maintaining law and order to attract investment and secure Pakistan’s future stability.
