MULTAN: Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf President Javed Hashmi has warned that the country can disintegrate if another martial law is imposed.

Speaking at a press conference here on Sunday, the disgruntled politician claimed that Imran Khan had told him that martial law would not be imposed but the Supreme Court would dismiss the government.

He said Sheikh Rashid had told a television channel in an interview that army generals would appear before the court and get the decision of government dismissal from the judge.

“There is no such provision in the Constitution which allows the Supreme Court to dismiss the government and announce interim set-up besides issuing directions for new elections within three months,” he said.

He said the country could face rebellion if martial law was imposed. “I would not say that the current political impasse is part of the script; however, some retired generals are in haste,” he said.

He said Imran Khan had told him that the apex court would announce new election within next three months. He said he could divulge much more information if the Supreme Court summoned him.

Mr Hashmi further claimed that retired Gen Hamid Gul had called him on phone one week ago and informed him “it is the last night” (of the government).

He said Shah Mahmood Qureshi, Saifullah Niazi and Jahangir Tareen made frequent visits to Rawalpindi. He said he would ask the core committee members to “look into my eyes while speaking over my stand.”

He said he was waiting for a show-cause notice from party chief Imran Khan and would give an appropriate response in writing. He said he had informed Imran Khan that Nawaz Sharif would not resign.

“It’s shocking for me to see Imran distort facts,” he said while asking him to give up any hope that elections would be held after three months. “They will not be held in 30 months,” he said.

He urged the government to release all the arrested workers of the PTI and the Pakistan Awami Tehreek.

Published in Dawn, September 15th, 2014