Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan has claimed that there have been two attempts to assassinate him, adding that despite the severe conditions of his jail cell, he does not seek any relief for himself. Speaking to reporters during the hearing of the £190 million case at Adiala Jail, Khan revealed that his jail staff had been replaced for the fourth time, including the person responsible for testing his food. He also mentioned the presence of rats in his wife, Bushra Bibi’s, jail cell.
Khan lamented the deteriorating state of cricket in Pakistan, blaming the current government for the national team’s poor performance. He noted that under his leadership, Pakistan had defeated India by 10 wickets in the 2021 T20 World Cup, but now, after the involvement of government favorites, the team failed to make it to the top ranks in the T20 World Cup and recently lost to Bangladesh. He sarcastically remarked that “after [Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman] Mohsin Naqvi’s surgery, we also lost to Bangladesh.”
Expressing concern over the country’s worsening law and order situation, Khan highlighted the daily violence in Balochistan, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, and Punjab, where people and policemen are frequently martyred. He criticized the current government, calling it a “Form-47 government” that has failed to implement reforms or reduce government expenditures. Khan emphasized that only a government with a public mandate could bring about the necessary changes, accusing the current leaders of having their wealth and properties stashed abroad.
When asked about reports of a meeting between PTI leader Azam Swati and himself after Mohsin Naqvi’s alleged contact with K-P Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, Khan dismissed the claims, stating that the government is running on lies. He clarified that he has no connection with the establishment, but if there were any discussions, they would be solely for the benefit of the country and in accordance with the Constitution. Khan also criticized the government’s attempts to suppress information, including reports of internet disruptions.