PM deplores ‘double standards of justice’ with Imran Khan in corruption cases

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said on Friday that the “double standards of justice” being applied to Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf head Imran Khan in his corruption trials were unacceptable and that the coalition will go to whatever length to protect the rule of law in the country.

While chairing the federal cabinet meeting, he stated that other political figures in the country experienced trials and harsh treatment, however, Imran Khan was granted “privileged treatment.”

“These are the double standards of justice,” he remarked, expressing surprise at the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court’s words during yesterday’s hearing, in which he indicated he was glad to see Imran Khan.

He stated that thousands of cases filed by the ordinary public were pending in the courts, but some political figures were granted bail on a priority basis.

The prime minister stated that the judiciary previously shielded Imran Khan in his corruption cases, such as the Bus Rapid Transit Project (BRT), Billion Tree Tsunami tree plantation, and Malam Jabba development projects, which had substantial evidence of PTI wrongdoing but were not pursued.

He claimed Imran Khan was part of a plan to impose Nazi dictatorship in the country for ten years.

He described May 9, 1971, as a sad day in the country’s history when Imran Khan’s party wreaked chaos by targeting national and military installations.

He recalled how, despite the sadness of Benazir Bhutto’s killing, his husband raised the phrase ‘Pakistan Khappay,’ which means ‘We want Pakistan,’ as a wonderful act of nationalism. He further stated that no one attacked military sites even after the “judicial murder” of previous Prime Minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto.

Sharif recalled being in prison at the time of their mother’s death, but passing the time with patience rather than stirring disturbances.

He claimed Imran Khan was the mastermind and architect of the attacks on military establishments. He called it disrespectful to the martyred military soldiers who gave their life for the sake of the homeland.

He stated that the country was going through a challenging period and that the coalition government was working hard to handle the inherited difficulties.

He chastised Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s leadership for pushing the country to the verge of disaster. He recalls the PTI head making false and blatant assertions for months about his removal from power through “regime change” by the US.

Sharif stated that the coalition administration worked tirelessly to repair diplomatic relations with the US, whereas Imran Khan eventually changed his stance towards the US.

He stated that, in addition to negotiating with the International Monetary Fund, Khan worked tirelessly to have the government labelled in default.

He claimed Imran Khan harmed the fundamental fabric of society by instilling hatred and intolerance.