Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chief, Imran Khan, accused retired General Qamar Javed Bajwa, the former chief of army staff, of being the real power behind the government and decision making. In a televised address on Sunday, Imran Khan stated that the PTI government used to take decisions after seeking Bajwa’s approval and that he was often criticized for the government’s performance while Bajwa remained unchecked.
Imran Khan has been increasingly vocal about Bajwa’s alleged involvement in the opposition’s activities, especially after the former army chief passed the baton to his successor. He called for an internal military inquiry against Bajwa for his alleged “admission” about being involved in the PTI government’s ouster.
In his address, Imran Khan claimed that Bajwa was the “super king” behind all decisions and that he was made the “punching bag” for criticism. He also claimed that Bajwa was the “favorite” of incumbent Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and that the establishment had decided to make Shehbaz the prime minister.
Imran Khan stated that it was imperative that whoever possessed the authority take responsibility and be answerable for their actions. He also expressed surprise over Bajwa’s remarks on the country’s economy, foreign policy, and politics, questioning the former army chief’s knowledge on these subjects.
However, Imran Khan also acknowledged that Bajwa had supported the PTI government during the coronavirus pandemic and other crises such as the polio and locust outbreaks.
During the address, Imran Khan also announced that he was “fully preparing” for the ‘Jail Bharo Tehreek’ (court arrest drive) and that he would soon announce the date for it to begin. He encouraged the country’s youth to not leave the country, stating that nations that don’t fight for independence never achieve it.
