Claiming that government was trying to misguide the public with regards to mutually agreed ‘Terms of Reference’ (TORs), the once-bitten-twice-shy Imran Khan today swore off any multi-vehicle security escort particularly for his own person henceforth.
Chairman Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), who had been extremely vocal against VIP ‘Culture’ during his ‘sit-in days’, became a sitting duck for his critics after he arrived at Army Public School Peshawar with a 21-vehicle motorcade.
“Security cars were only six in number, the rest of them were my ministers’ rides, who had arrived at the airport to receive me. That said, you will not see a motorcade as long as that one with me ever. It has been decided in principle,” the PTI leader said addressing a press conference at his residence here in Bani Gala.
Getting down to political business, Khan told reporters the PTI leader, Jahangir Tareen, had written a letter to Finance Minister Ishaq Dar, the top government negotiator, as a reminder that his side had not returned to the dialogue since December 23, 2014.
“This epistle is aimed at maintaining a favorable state of affairs that both the sides have so far been able to reach in the face of stalemate after stalemate. We want this dialogue process to proceed, but I’m afraid the other side is trying to recede,” Khan said alleging the nation was being scammed by the government.
All that his party wanted was a fair investigation into the massive rigging in 2013 elections, Khan said adding his demands were legit and in the broader interest of Pakistan.
The newlywed retired-cricketer-turned-political demagogue told the media the following three TORs were agreed between the PTI and the government negotiators.
TOR 1: Was 2013 election conducted constitutionally and in accordance with the law?
TOR 2: Were the polls manipulated or influenced by anyone?
TOR 3: Are the overall results of the election a true reflection of (the) mandate given by the electorate?
“Are these TORs unjust? Are we asking for too much? I have a very strong reason to believe that a judicial probe will by no means hurt Pakistan, but rather help it improve,” he claimed.
To a question, Khan said that his party’s future line of action would be made public on January 19.
