Rawalpindi: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder and former Prime Minister Imran Khan has emphasized the need for national unity in light of emerging global developments, stating that international events will inevitably impact Pakistan.
Speaking to the media outside Adiala Jail after meeting Imran Khan, his sisters Uzma Khan and Noreen Khan relayed his message, stressing that now is the time for all Pakistanis to come together.
"Imran Khan is well aware of the global situation and believes it will affect Pakistan. He says unity among the people is crucial right now," Uzma Khan said.
Addressing the issue of Gaza, Uzma reiterated Imran Khan's long-standing position on Israel, saying, "Everyone knows where he stands. He is deeply pained by the atrocities taking place in Gaza."
She also revealed that Imran Khan has decided to postpone the planned protest movement due to the prevailing global conditions. "He believes that in such circumstances, the nation must focus on cohesion and solidarity," she said.
Responding to a question about Ali Amin Gandapur, she clarified, "He has not distanced himself from the protest. Anyone who stands up for Imran Khan will have our full support."
In a sharp critique, Uzma Khan alleged that political leaders such as Asif Zardari, Nawaz Sharif, and Maryam Nawaz remained silent during Indo-Pak wars. She added, "We are waiting for statements from those making policy decisions—those so-called 'uncles' in the U.S. We want to hear from the Prime Minister, President, and Field Marshal. It is their job to speak now."
Noreen Khan also shared her thoughts following the meeting, noting the difficulties they faced in securing the visit. When asked about Imran Khan’s stance on the federal budget, she said, “He believes this is an elitist budget. The burden is being placed entirely on the salaried class, while the poor are suffering the most.”
According to Noreen, Imran Khan warned that poverty in Pakistan is set to increase, and the overall economic condition is deteriorating. “Over 3.3 million educated Pakistanis have left the country in the last three years. Each of them takes an estimated $30,000 with them, which shows how much foreign exchange has flowed out of Pakistan,” she stated.
On the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa budget, she quoted Imran Khan as saying that it will only be passed after thorough consultations. “Ali Amin Gandapur, Taimur Jhagra, Muzzammil Aslam, and Shibli Faraz have been asked to meet him. The budget will proceed only after discussion with them,” she concluded.
