Pakistan Tehrik-i-Insaf chief Imran Khan addresses a public gathering. – File Photo

SWABI: Pakistan Tehrik-i-Insaf (PTI) chairman Imran Khan has said that corrupt politicians of the ruling parties could not stop his 'tsunami' because they have given the masses nothing except the burden of new taxes and inflation in the last four years.

Addressing a big public meeting at Shewa playground here on Friday, Mr Khan said that the PTI's massive rallies in Lahore and Karachi had unnerved the ruling politicians because they had nothing show to the masses.

“We want to make our country economically stable and politically mature,” he said.

Mr Khan said that his party would introduce great changes in the system for the benefit of masses. He alleged that that the government devoured billions of rupees in corrupt practices during the last four years and the rulers still continued to accumulate wealth through illegal means.

He said that due to corruption the country faced economic crisis and the entire burden had been shifted to the masses.

“The imposition of taxes on the people is an utter failure of the government on the economic front,” he said.

He came down hard on President Asif Ali Zardari, Azam Khan Hoti and Maulana Fazlur Rehman, saying that they indulged in massive corruption. He alleged that Mr Fazl had been deceiving the people in the name of Islam. He said that Nawaz Sharif was also an equal partner in the government's corrupt practices by giving it support while sitting in opposition.

“Nawaz Sharif raised the slogan of 'Go Zardari Go', but when he was ready to go he used the tactics to stop him. In fact, they are partners of each other,” he said. Mr Khan said that both Sharif and Zardari were united for the 18th amendment and now embraced each other for the 20th amendment.”

He said that his party would support the Afghans, but the Americans would never be backed in the war-ravaged country.

The PTI chairman vowed to introduce reforms, conduct accountability of the corrupt politicians, bring economic revolution by broadening tax base, develop the education sector, stop drone attacks and uphold the supremacy of the judiciary to make Pakistan a strong country.

Javid Hashmi and other leaders of the party also spoke on the occasion.

The ground where the public meeting was held was jammed-packed, while roads leading to the venue and the Shewa bridge remained blocked due to rush of people.

Asad Qaisar and Khawaja Mohammad Hoti were prominent among those sitting on the stage with Mr Khan. On this occasion, several local leaders of other political parties announced to join the PTI.

Opinion

Editorial

Weathering the storm
Updated 29 Apr, 2024

Weathering the storm

Let 2024 be the year when we all proactively ensure that our communities are safeguarded and that the future is secure against the inevitable next storm.
Afghan repatriation
29 Apr, 2024

Afghan repatriation

COMPARED to the roughshod manner in which the caretaker set-up dealt with the issue, the elected government seems a...
Trying harder
29 Apr, 2024

Trying harder

IT is a relief that Pakistan managed to salvage some pride. Pakistan had taken the lead, then fell behind before...
Return to the helm
Updated 28 Apr, 2024

Return to the helm

With Nawaz Sharif as PML-N president, will we see more grievances being aired?
Unvaxxed & vulnerable
Updated 28 Apr, 2024

Unvaxxed & vulnerable

Even deadly mosquito-borne illnesses like dengue and malaria have vaccines, but they are virtually unheard of in Pakistan.
Gaza’s hell
Updated 28 Apr, 2024

Gaza’s hell

Perhaps Western ‘statesmen’ may moderate their policies if a significant percentage of voters punish them at the ballot box.