In the midst of escalating political and economic turmoil, incarcerated former Prime Minister Imran Khan has announced plans to correspond with Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Asim Munir regarding Pakistan’s deteriorating situation. Khan’s decision comes as the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) seeks dialogue with what he termed as the “real power.”
During an interaction with journalists from Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi on Monday, Khan affirmed his intention to address the prevailing conditions in the country by writing directly to General Asim Munir. This move follows days after assigning a significant role to former President Dr. Arif Alvi, aimed at fostering communication between the establishment and the PTI.
Imran Khan, ousted from power via a parliamentary vote in April last year, delegated responsibilities to Alvi after rejecting the military’s demand for an apology concerning the May 9 riots. These riots erupted shortly after Khan’s arrest, prompting him to distance his party from the violent protests.
Responding to inquiries about the £190 million settlement case, Khan clarified that the UK’s National Crime Agency (NCA) seized the funds due to suspicious transactions, not money laundering. He underscored that if the case proceeds to civil court, repatriation of the money to Pakistan could be delayed by up to five years.
The former premier also hinted at potential repercussions for Shehzad Akbar, the former Special Assistant to the Prime Minister (SAPM) on accountability, upon his return to Pakistan amid the ongoing situation.
Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi were indicted in February 2024 in connection to the £190 million reference, which involves allegations of misappropriation and benefitting from a settlement between the PTI government and a British property tycoon.
The crux of the case revolves around claims that Khan and other accused individuals facilitated a deal that caused a significant loss to the national exchequer. Allegations include adjusting a substantial sum from the NCA to the Pakistani government and obtaining land for personal gain under the guise of establishing Al Qadir University.
The saga further unfolds with the establishment of the Al-Qadir Trust and subsequent transfers of land and assets, implicating several individuals close to Khan in the process.
**Conclusion:**
As Khan’s legal battles intensify and political tensions simmer, his decision to reach out to the military leadership underscores the gravity of Pakistan’s current predicament. With the £190 million case looming large, the nation braces itself for further revelations and potential ramifications on its political landscape.
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