KARACHI: PML-N leader Shahid Khaqan Abbasi on Saturday said that the allegations levelled by PTI chairman Imran Khan against former army chief Qamar Javed Bajwa were about violation of the Constitution, suggesting that the ousted premier could pursue his claims legally under Article 6 — high treason — against retired general, Dawn.com reported.

The remarks, made by Mr Abbasi on DawnNews programme ‘Doosra Rukh’, came a day after the PTI chief called for an internal military inquiry against Mr Bajwa for his alleged “admission” about being involved in the PTI government’s ouster.

The general’s version was published in a column by Javed Chaudhry recently, in which he termed the PTI “dangerous for the country” and that graft cases against Imran-era finance minister Shaukat Tarin were quashed with the then DG ISI Faiz Hameed’s assistance.

Mr Abbasi said Article 6 was clear about the alleged violation of the Constitution. It states: “Any person who abrogates or subverts or suspends or holds in abeyance, or attempts or conspires to abrogate or subvert or suspend or hold in abeyance, the Constitution by use of force or show of force or by any other unconstitutional means shall be guilty of high treason.”

Claims ex-COAS asked political parties to support PTI chairman in trust vote

The former PM said the inquiry the PTI leader was requesting was [actually] one of Article 6. “If Imran Khan thinks the Constitution was violated, he should file an Article 6 petition,” he added. “It is his right.”

He said Mr Bajwa indeed stated that Mr Khan was given support to “complete his numbers”.

“If investigations are to be conducted then it should be against everyone and we must go back to 1947 to hold probe from the start. If the PM or his finance minister is asking the army to quash their cases, this is concerning.”

“When he became a part of the process, then he is equally responsible as others. He also got support in completing his numbers in the confidence vote. The probe must be held into it but inquiries are not held this way. The army and the government have their own systems. The request Imran is making pertains to Article 6, hence he should file a petition.”

He said whoever got “illegitimate” support was wrong. He alleged that political parties did not want to go along with Imran. However, he claimed, “Bajwa sahib asked them to support the PTI chief in the confidence vote”.

The ex-premier said the Election Commission of Pakistan would have to justify delaying the elections in public as well in the courts.

He recalled that he had a position that he relinquished in 2019 to pave the way for Maryam Nawaz so she could work “openly”.

He defended former finance minister Miftah Ismail, who is an integral part of “Reimagining Pakistan” campaign, against criticism from different quarters.

To a question, Mr Abbasi said only the nation could answer Maryam Nawaz’s desire to become the prime minister of the country.

He denied having any information about former COAS Bajwa’s alleged support to the ruling coalition — the PDM.

Published in Dawn, February 12th, 2023