–Premier says despite highs and lows, he’s committed to serving the people
–Lashes out at Opp for ‘destroying the country’s economy’
–Reiterates that no corrupt leader would be given NRO
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan on Wednesday said that struggle is never a straight journey and highlighted the ups and downs of his political career while ruling out the notion that Pakistan Army’s generals had any role in the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) rise to power.
He said this while addressing a ceremony held at the Jinnah Convention Centre in the federal capital to observe the 23rd Foundation Day of PTI in the attendance of a large number of government ministers, special assistants to the premier and party workers.
The prime minister said that he has nothing to gain from politics and his only goal is to fulfil his responsibility towards the people of Pakistan.
“A man of faith knows that he has to answer to God. The more you receive from God, the more responsibility you have towards the society,” he said.
Recounting his struggle, he said that it has been 23 years since his party was founded and there is a need to understand what this struggle is about. “Struggle is never a straight journey as there are always highs and lows. Sometimes people get disheartened and leave you and only a few come back. I had nothing to gain from politics as I had everything during my career as a cricketer but I wanted to give back and serve the people of my country,” he said.
“PTI is the only party that struggled for 23 years but did not back down from its mission. No general supported your party [PTI] nor did I inherit it. When you aim to work for the society, it does not matter how long the struggle goes on for because it polishes you and trains you. You do not get scared of resistance because it only makes you stronger,” he said.
He said that when he was growing up, he saw the pace with which the country was progressing and how the country’s leaders were respected by the world but then this respect began to fade because those in power started caring about their own interest instead of thinking about the country. “When a man steals, he harms one man. When a leader steals, he harms the entire country,” he said.
PM Imran also emphasised the importance of implementing the principles of Medina state in Pakistan. “The structure of the Medina state is the system of the modern state and it was because of this structure that Muslims ruled over the world for 1,000 years,” he said.
The premier also cited the examples of Malayasia and Singapore and highlighted that they adopted the policies of justice and welfare introduced by Islam to attain success. He expressed disappointment at the notion that Pakistan was built in the name of Islam but strayed from that vision.
He said that the opposition parties have joined hands to save themselves from accountability but he will not give them any sort of relief despite all their efforts.
“Let them do whatever they can but I will not give them an NRO [National Reconciliation Ordinance]. Nawaz Sharif has asked to travel abroad for treatment. Should we not then allow every other prisoner to go abroad for treatment?” the premier said, adding that “In Naya Pakistan, the law is same for everyone”.
Lashing out at the opposition, he said that former Punjab chief minister Shehbaz Sharif left Punjab in debt of Rs1,100 billion. “Despite their faults, they have the audacity to criticise the government with their ‘weird faces’ on TV,” he said.
PM Imran once again expressed his confidence on Punjab Chief Minister Usman Buzdar and said that the time will prove he was the best choice for the post.
