PM Imran Khan again links the no-trust move against him with a ‘foreign conspiracy’
ISLAMABAD, Mar 31 (SABAH): Prime Minister Imran Khan on Thursday again linked the no-trust move against him with a “foreign conspiracy” allegedly hatched due to his government’s “independent foreign policy” as he warned his party’s dissidents and political rivals that the future generations of the country will neither forgive them nor their “handlers”.
The prime minister fired those warnings in a live address to the nation days ahead of voting on a no-trust resolution against him in the National Assembly that will decide his government’s fate.
After starting off with a detailed explanation of his political ideology and the reason of his foray into politics, PM Imran Khan emphasised why an independent foreign policy was essential for free nations — something which he said he strived for during his time in power.
The prime minister then discussed the ‘threat letter’ that he brandished in the March 27 power show in Islamabad and which purportedly contains “evidence” of a foreign conspiracy to oust his government.
In what appeared a slip of tongue, he named the United States as the country behind the threat. “I am here today because on March 8 or 7, the United States … not the US … we got a message. For a free country, a message like this is not only against its prime minister but is also against the country itself.
“They knew beforehand that a no-trust move was coming. The no-trust motion was not even submitted at the time. It means that they (the opposition) was connected with these people abroad, They say they are angry with Pakistan … they make this excuse. They say they will forgive Pakistan if Imran Khan loses in no-trust move, but if the move fails, Pakistan will have to go through a difficult time.
“In an official document it was said that ‘if Imran Khan remains the prime minister, our ties will suffer and you will face difficulties.’
“I am telling my nation today that this is our status. We are a nation of 220 million and another country — and they are not giving any reason — [is issuing threats]. They said that Imran Khan decide to go to Russia on his own even though the Foreign Office and the military leadership was consulted.
“Our ambassador told them that the decision to visit Russia was made after consultations but they are denying it and saying that ‘it was only because of Imran Khan and that our ties cannot be good if he stays.’ What they are actually saying is that they have no issue with the people who will replace Imran Khan.
The prime minister said the foreign forces “developed a liking for” Shehbaz Sharif, Fazlur Rehman and Asif Ali Zardari as they “know where there money and properties are” and “in their 10 years 400 drone attacks took place and they did not condemn it once.”
“The most disturbing thing is that they (foreign forces) have links with the people through whom the conspiracy (no trust move) happened, They are stooges, and stooges means loyal slaves,” he said.
PM Imran Khan then addressed Shahbaz’s criticism of him saying “absolutely not” to the United States in response to its reported demands of having military bases in Pakistan.
“I only said that ‘we are with you in peace but not in war’ because our foreign policy is independent. I don’t talk against anyone. I only say that my biggest responsibility is the 220m Pakistanis. When did you (Shehbaz) take a stand … you and your brother can never talk, they know where you assets are.”
The prime minister then addressed the no-trust move against him — the voting on which will take place this Sunday.
“On Sunday, there will be a voting held and a decision will be taken on the direction of this country. Somebody suggested that I should resign. I always fight till the last ball. I want the entire nation to see on that day that who sold their conscience.
“There is looted money being used to buy off people, and this is happening before the entire nation. This is a transaction of their conscience, the country and its sovereignty.”
Despite seeing several of his main allies side with the opposition, the prime minister still said he has “hope”.
“I tell these people who have taken the deals that this will be stamped on you, The people will neither forget nor forgive you. Neither will they forgive those who are handling you. The people will always remember that you sold your country. Through a foreign conspiracy you tried to topple a government that had an independent foreign policy.”
“Mir Jafer and Mir Sadiq colluded with the Britishers and enslaved Bengal. These (his party’s dissidents) are Mir Jafers and Mir Sadiqs of today. They have colluded with foreign powers and are bringing a change in this country but remember that the nation will not let you forget and the future generations will not forgive you.
“And if you think you will make this conspiracy successful … know that I will still be standing. It is my commitment to my nation that I will fight this till I have blood running in me. This doesn’t affect my life. I live in my home and bear my expenses. I have neither built any factories nor any of my relatives are in politics.
“But the treason that is going to happen against this nation on Sunday, I want you to remember the face of every traitor. This nation will not forget this and will not forgive you and those behind you. And if you think that Imran Khan will sit quietly … don’t have this misconception. Allah has given me the capability to fight. I have fought all my life. I got here through struggle and I will not let this conspiracy succeed in any case.”
Earlier, in his opening remarks, the prime minister said: “Today, I have to talk something important about the country’s future. I decided to do this address live because Pakistan is at a defining moment and we have two paths ahead of us.
“But before that, I want to tell you that why a person like me entered politics. I am a fortunate person whom Allah had blessed with everything, including fame and wealth. I am from the first generation that was born in a free country.
“Pakistan is five years older than me. My parents were born during times of slavery. They made me realise that I was lucky to have been born in a free country because in slavery you cannot rise above a certain level. Khuddari is a sign of a free nation.”
The prime minister explained why he had entered politics in the 1990s following a successful cricket career. “I entered politics because I came to the conclusion that Pakistan can never be the country that Allama Iqbal dreamt of and Quaid-e-Azam struggled for even in poor health,” he said. “The main purpose pf Pakistan was to become an Islamic welfare state, which traces back to the state of Madina.
“When I started politics, I included three things in my party’s manifesto. Justice, which means law is the same for the powerful and the weak. Humanity because there is kindness in an Islamic state, and third, Khuddari because a Muslim nation cannot be a slave.”
The prime minister continued: “Had Allah not blessed me with faith, I would [not have] entered politics. I was mocked for 14 years and people repeatedly asked me why did I enter politics. I came into politics because of an ideology.
“Since I joined politics, I have always said that neither will I bow down before anyone and nor will I let my nation bow down. It means I will not let my nation be a slave to anyone. I have never backed down from this stance.
“I decided the day I became the prime minister that our foreign policy will be independent, which means it will be for Pakistanis. It doesn’t mean that we wanted enmity. When I got the government I said that we will not have any foreign policy that is not in our favour.”