Rashid urges Khan to raise funds for IDPs, not ‘tsunami’

• Info minister says PTI chief could very well be ‘unknowingly playing in the hands of Pakistan’s enemies’

ISLAMABAD

STAFF REPORT

Federal Minister for Information Senator Pervaiz Rashid has said that Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan should raise funds for internally displaced persons (IDPs) of North Waziristan Agency (NWA) instead of organising rallies and sit-ins.

In a press statement issued Monday, the information minister said that instead of bringing “tsunamis, storms and other forms of calamities”, Khan should focus on stability of Pakistan.

The senator expressed concern over Khan’s timing of the rally; August 14, saying that he could very well be “unknowingly playing in the hands of Pakistan’s enemies”. He added that there were several entities in the world that were ready to fund any movement to destabilise Pakistan.

Rashid highlighted PTI’s “misplaced priorities”, saying that at a time when Pakistan was going through one of the biggest crisis in history, Khan was raising funds for rallies. He advised the PTI leadership to do something for IDPs and other welfare organisations at this critical juncture.

The information minister claimed that Khan was following Pakistan Awami Tehreek (PAT) chief Dr Tahirul Qadr’s footsteps by utilising funds given in the name of charity for political gains.

The Pakistan Muslim League – Nawaz (PML-N) leaders have been criticising PTI’s long march ever since it was announced on June 27 by Khan during his speech in Bahawalpur. The ruling party has termed it as an attempt to destabilise the democratic system in the country, while PTI says that the march is for strengthening the democratic system in the country.

Reportedly, the PTI chief is currently in England where he will be raising money through fundraising events which will be organised by PTI supporters. These funds will be utilised for his party, Namal College and Shaukat Khanum Memorial Hospital. PTI leaders Dr Arif Alvi and Ali Zaidi will accompany Khan during his campaign.