Imran Khan Criticizes Government, Raises Concerns Over Law and Order and Cricket Administration

Former Pakistani PM Imran Khan voiced concerns about law and order in Balochistan and Punjab, criticized PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, and announced PTI’s conditions for national reconciliation. Khan spoke post the hearing of a corruption case in which the judge noted procedural delays and issues. PTI also filed a petition regarding missing activists.

Former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan raised alarm on Monday regarding the deteriorating law and order situation in Balochistan and Punjab, attributing the blame to a particular institution. He made these remarks while speaking to reporters after a £190 million corruption case hearing at Adiala Jail. Khan emphasized that his party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), would only consider national reconciliation if their grievances were addressed, reported Dawn News. He stressed that national reconciliation was unattainable without accountability for what he called 'fraudulent general elections.' Additionally, Khan expressed disappointment over Pakistan's cricket team's recent defeat to Bangladesh, criticizing the current state of cricket administration.

Khan targeted Pakistan Cricket Board Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, accusing him of incompetence and claiming Naqvi owns property worth $5 million in Dubai under his spouse's name. Khan also alleged Naqvi's involvement in the wheat scandal and electoral rigging during his tenure as Punjab's caretaker chief minister. The ex-PM criticized the current government for not implementing reforms, controlling spending, or boosting revenue, asserting that only a government with a genuine mandate could enact these necessary changes.

Khan stated that multinational companies and professionals are leaving Pakistan due to the worsening situation and labeled critics of authorities as 'digital terrorists,' as reported by Dawn News. He denied any contact with the establishment and described his harsh conditions in custody, including being held in a hot, humid cell, asserting he had not requested special treatment.

During the hearing, the cross-examination of a prosecution witness remained incomplete for the 10th time. Accountability court judge Nasir Javed Rana expressed frustration over the delays. Despite deploying over 200 security personnel for each hearing, proceedings were stalled. The judge warned that the law would take its course if the defense did not cross-examine the witness at the next hearing, scheduled for September 3.

Khan's spouse, Bushra Bibi, raised concerns about rats in her barrack, prompting the judge to order their removal. Proceedings were adjourned until August 29. Outside the jail, Khan's sister, Aleema Khan, criticized frequent transfers of jail staff affecting her brother's security team. She confirmed that a planned rally for August 22 was postponed, but the PTI's September 8 rally would proceed as scheduled.

In a related development, PTI petitioned 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 defense ministries, the Federal Investigation Agency, and Islamabad Police as respondents. The petition noted that 16 PTI workers were detained in a recent crackdown, with some still unaccounted for, urging the court to declare the enforced disappearances unconstitutional and investigate any government involvement.

(With inputs from agencies.)