Swabi: Senior Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader and former Speaker of the National Assembly, Asad Qaiser, on Tuesday addressed a protest demonstration in Swabi, during which he stated that Imran Khan was offered various incentives during his imprisonment, including relocation to Bani Gala, Nathia Gali, and even facilitation to leave the country. However, Imran Khan rejected all such offers, sending a clear message that the issue is not merely of release but of genuine freedom.
He said Nawaz Sharif and Shehbaz Sharif did not come into power through public mandate, but rather through Form 47. He alleged that billions were earned through the sugar scandal and now, once again, a new game of corruption is being played through sugar imports. Mr Qaiser said that a formal request has been submitted to the Chief Justice for a transparent inquiry in order to apprise the public of the true facts.
He maintained that Bilawal Bhutto and Asif Ali Zardari have set new records in corruption, adding that both these parties come to power solely to serve their personal interests.
Terming the ongoing load shedding in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa as 'retaliation against the people,' the PTI leader said that the public of the province is being punished through unfair power outages. Mr Qaiser said that Imran Khan has issued clear directives that no form of military operation will be accepted in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. He asserted that during their government's tenure, neither were there bombings nor was the law and order situation compromised, yet today, they are being handed explosives and their pens are being snatched away.
He reiterated that under no circumstances would they allow a military operation in their province. 'This is a war for freedom, and we shall fight it under all circumstances,' he declared.
Expressing dissatisfaction with the judicial verdicts, Asad Qaiser stated that the courts are not independent and that justice is being murdered. He warned that if justice is not served within the country, they would approach the International Court of Justice.
He further announced that the second phase of the protest movement would commence on August 14, with a focus on Sindh. Mr Qaiser concluded by stating that they would unite the entire nation and rid it of the oppressive government.