Imran Khan Criticizes Government and Calls for Accountability in Pakistan

Islamabad, Pakistan – Former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan has raised concerns about the worsening law and order situation in Balochistan and Punjab. Speaking after a hearing of a £190 million corruption case at Adiala Jail, Khan blamed a specific institution for the issues and stated that his party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), would only consider national reconciliation if their grievances were addressed.

Khan emphasized that national reconciliation is impossible without accountability for what he called “fraudulent general elections.” He also expressed disappointment in Pakistan’s recent loss to Bangladesh in a cricket match, criticizing Pakistan Cricket Board Chairman Mohsin Naqvi for incompetence and alleging that Naqvi owns $5 million worth of property in Dubai under his spouse’s name. Khan linked Naqvi to the wheat scandal and electoral rigging during his tenure as Punjab’s caretaker chief minister.

The former Prime Minister criticized the current government for failing to implement reforms, control spending, and boost revenue. He argued that only a government with a genuine mandate could enact these necessary changes. Khan claimed that multinational companies and professionals are leaving Pakistan due to the deteriorating situation, and those who criticize the authorities are labelled as “digital terrorists.” He also denied having any contact with the establishment and described the harsh conditions he has endured while in custody.

The hearing saw the cross-examination of a prosecution witness remain incomplete for the 10th time. The accountability court judge, Nasir Javed Rana, expressed frustration over the delay and warned that the law would take its course if the defence failed to cross-examine the witness at the next hearing, scheduled for September 3. During the hearing, Khan’s spouse, Bushra Bibi, complained about rats in her barrack, prompting the judge to order their removal. The proceedings were adjourned until August 29.

Outside the jail, Khan’s sister, Aleema Khan, criticized the frequent transfers of jail staff and confirmed that while a planned rally on August 22 was postponed, the PTI’s September 8 rally would proceed as planned. In a related development, the PTI filed a petition with the Islamabad High Court seeking the recovery of missing party activists. PTI General Secretary Omar Ayub Khan filed the petition, naming senior officials from the interior and defence ministries, the Federal Investigation Agency, and Islamabad Police as respondents. The petition highlighted that 16 PTI workers were detained in a recent crackdown, with some still missing, and urged the court to declare the enforced disappearances unconstitutional.