November 23, 2007	Friday	Ziqa’ad 12, 1428

ISLAMABAD, Nov 22: Pakistan Tehrik-i-Insaaf chief Imran Khan on Thursday reassured the media and judiciary that he would continue his struggle for the rule of law. Addressing his first press conference after his release from the Dera Ghazi Khan jail on Wednesday, he said that he would not accept Gen Musharraf as president no matter what deal or rule (meaning the PCO) he concocted. “It’s all a fraud,” he said.

Imran Khan appeared weak and exhausted.

He said that he had spoken to all opposition parties and only Maulana Fazlur Rehman wanted to take part in the elections.

“I’m sure that if the PPP boycotts the elections, it will be a futile exercise for General Musharraf,” Imran Khan said.

He said the All Party Democratic Movement would soon decide its course of action.

“If the APDM decides not to take part in the elections then we’ll not only boycott them but launch a full-fledged movement,” he said.

All issues, including Lal Masjid, Swat, Balochistan and tribal areas needed a solution, but Gen Musharraf wanted to prove that he was battling terrorism, Imran Khan said.

Regarding Qazi Hussain Ahmad’s alleged role in his arrest in Lahore, Mr Khan said he knew that he (Qazi) was not responsible for it.

“I know he didn’t do it. Police told me how long I was being chased by intelligence agencies. Qazi has nothing against me and I know he would never do it.”

The PTI chief visited Geo’s offices and expressed solidarity with journalists.

“The judiciary has to be independent and has to be restored,” he said.