Imran Khan expresses regret for trusting former Pakistan army chief Gen Bajwa, says it was his only mistake | World News

Imran Khan, the jailed former Pakistan prime minister, has expressed his only regret from his time in office was trusting Gen (retd.) Qamar Javed Bajwa, the former army chief. Khan accused Bajwa of spreading false stories about him to secure a second extension as the military head.

Khan, who was ousted from power in April 2022 via a no-confidence motion, blamed Gen Bajwa for playing a vital role against his government. The founder of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party, currently lodged at Adiala Jail, slammed Pakistan’s political and military leaders, particularly focusing on his friend-turned-foe Gen Bajwa.

In an interview with journalist Mehdi Hasan for Zeteo, Khan stated, “I am certain that this ordeal was orchestrated by General Bajwa. I hold no one else responsible.” Khan approved an extension for Gen Bajwa in 2019 but later regretted his decision, citing Bajwa’s detrimental impact on democracy in Pakistan.

Khan accused Bajwa of spreading false narratives to countries like the US, portraying him as anti-American. Despite his imprisonment, Khan remains committed to fighting for the rule of law in Pakistan and believes that justice will prevail in the end.

Since the general elections in February, Khan has maintained that the mandate was stolen and has called for dialogue after its return. The ruling coalition has invited Khan’s party to engage in meaningful dialogue, but Khan believes the current government lacks legitimacy.

Imran Khan’s revelations about Gen Bajwa shed light on the power struggles within Pakistan’s political and military landscape, highlighting the challenges faced by democracy in the country.