Imran claims Zardari behind new plot to assassinate him

Published January 27, 2023
PTI Chairman Imran Khan addresses a press conference on Friday. — DawnNewsTV
PTI Chairman Imran Khan addresses a press conference on Friday. — DawnNewsTV

PTI chief Imran Khan — in what can be termed an explosive claim — alleged on Friday that former president Asif Ali Zardari was behind a new plot to assassinate him for which the PPP co-chairman had “given money to a terrorist outfit”.

In a televised address, the ex-premier said that plans had been hatched to assassinate him as soon as he was ousted.

“Earlier, in a public rally, I had told my supporters that there were four people who had planned to kill me […] but they backed off when I made these revelations.”

Then a “plan B” was made to “eliminate” me in the name of religion, Imran continued, referring to the attack on his life in Wazirabad. “But I got to know about that too and I revealed their plan in two public rallies.”

Referring to Wazirabad attack, he said that the people behind these “conspiracies” had almost succeeded but “God saved him”.

“Now they have made a plan C and Zardari is behind it. He has unlimited corrupt money […] the money he loots from the Sindh government is used in elections, to buy MPAs […] whether it is the elections in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa or Gilgit-Baltistan, he recklessly throws money around.

“He has given this money to a terror outfit. His facilitators are powerful people in the agencies. The decision has been taken from three sides and they have planned to execute the next crime,” Imran claimed.

The PTI chairman went on to say that irrespective of whatever was planned, he would be back in the streets as soon as he recovered from the injuries he had sustained during the Wazirabad attack.

“But if something happens to me, my nation should know who was behind it […] so that my nation never forgives them.”

PPP rejects Imran’s claims

Meanwhile, PPP leaders rejected the PTI chief’s claims regarding Zardari. In a statement, PPP’s Shazia Marri said Imran “did not face any danger” Zardari and urged the ex-premier to beware of the “snakes in his sleeves”.

PPP leader Saleem Mandviwalla said that Imran was attempting to mislead the nation by making such claims against Zardari. He noted that Imran had remained a “supporter” of terrorists in the past.

“Imran Khan’s mental state must be examined,” he said. He said that Imran was attempting to blackmail the government by making false claims.

“Imran Khan is trying to save his dead politics using a false and misleading narrative,” he said.


Additional input from Nadir Guramani

Opinion

Editorial

Afghan turbulence
Updated 19 Mar, 2024

Afghan turbulence

RELATIONS between the newly formed government and Afghanistan’s de facto Taliban rulers have begun on an...
In disarray
19 Mar, 2024

In disarray

IT is clear that there is some bad blood within the PTI’s ranks. Ever since the PTI lost a key battle over ...
Festering wound
19 Mar, 2024

Festering wound

PROTESTS unfolded once more in Gwadar, this time against the alleged enforced disappearances of two young men, who...
Defining extremism
Updated 18 Mar, 2024

Defining extremism

Redefining extremism may well be the first step to clamping down on advocacy for Palestine.
Climate in focus
18 Mar, 2024

Climate in focus

IN a welcome order by the Supreme Court, the new government has been tasked with providing a report on actions taken...
Growing rabies concern
18 Mar, 2024

Growing rabies concern

DOG-BITE is an old problem in Pakistan. Amid a surfeit of public health challenges, rabies now seems poised to ...