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

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday disapproving the “double standards of justice” being meted out to Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf chief Imran Khan in his corruption cases said the coalition would take every step to ensure the rule of law in the country.

Chairing the meeting of the federal cabinet, he said other political leaders in the country faced trials and tough handling, while Imran Khan was given a “privileged treatment”.

“These are the double standards of justice,” he said and expressed astonishment over the remarks of the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court during yesterday’s hearing where he said that he was pleased to meet Imran Khan.

He pointed out that thousands of cases by the general public were pending with the courts while some political figures were specially given the favour of bail on a priority basis.

The prime minister said the judiciary earlier also protected Imran Khan in his corruption cases including the Bus Rapid Transit Project (BRT), Billion Tree Tsunami tree plantation, and Malam Jabba development projects had solid proofs of corruption by PTI but the cases were not pursued.

He said Imran Khan was part of an agenda to bring fascist rule in the country for 10 years.

He said May 9, after the debacle of December 16, 1971, was a painful day in the country’s history when Imran Khan’s party unleashed havoc by attacking national and military installations.

He recalled that despite the tragedy of the assassination of Pakistan Peoples Party leader Benazir Bhutto, his husband raised the slogan of ‘Pakistan Khappay’ meaning ‘We want Pakistan’ as a great gesture of nationalism. Also, nobody hit the military installations even after the “judicial murder” of former prime minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, he added.

Sharif recalled that at the time of the death of their mother, he was in prison but passed the time with patience rather than inciting the public for riots.

He said Imran Khan was the mastermind and planner behind the attacks on military institutions. He termed it a disgrace to the martyred military personnel who sacrificed their lives for the motherland.

He said the country was passing through a difficult time and the coalition government was making efforts to address the inherited challenges.

He lambasted the leadership of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf to push the country toward the brink of a dangerous situation. He recalled that the PTI chief for months made false and shameless claims about his ouster from the rule through “regime change” by the United States.

Sharif said the coalition government made tireless efforts to mend relations with the U.S. in a diplomatic manner, while Imran Khan ultimately changed his stance against the U.S.

He pointed out that besides maneuvering the situation with International Monetary Fund, Khan made every effort for the country to be declared a default.

He said Imran Khan incurred every possible damage to the very fabric of society by promoting hatred and intolerance.