Pakistan: Government claims former intelligence chief was part of conspiracy led by Imran

• Information minister says scope of investigation into Faiz will be expanded and calls on other institutions to follow military's example of 'self-responsibility'
• Imran claims former ISI chief's transfer to Peshawar Corps was 'part of a conspiracy' against his government
• PML-N Senator says talks with PTI only if it shows seriousness

ISLAMABAD: The government on Saturday accused PTI founder Imran Khan of plotting a political conspiracy along with a retired general and others to sow anarchy and discord in the country. The information minister hinted that the scope of investigation against General Faiz Hameed and his other “co-conspirators” would be expanded in the coming days.

Just days after distancing himself from the former intelligence chief, who is currently facing a court martial, Khan now seemed to confirm claims that he and the retired general were close, saying the latter's transfer to the Peshawar Corps was part of a conspiracy against the PTI government.

In a press conference on Saturday, the information minister said that the army conducted transparent investigations after the arrest of General Faiz Hameed as it has its own internal accountability mechanism, adding that it believes in self-accountability.

The Information Minister referred to the arrests made in this connection and hinted at further action in the coming days. He claimed that Imran Khan had conspired with these people to spread anarchy in the country.

“This was a political alliance led by the PTI founder, linked to General Faiz and other accomplices,” he said, adding that the scope of the investigation would definitely be expanded.

“Whether someone is Saqib or Nisar, things will be done transparently,” he said, referring to former CJP Saqib Nisar, whom the PML-N accuses of propping up the PTI regime and targeting its political opponents.

Mr Tarar claimed that evidence had emerged showing that the PTI founder was “in touch” with these conspirators – at the time of the no-confidence vote and even after his detention – and that he continued to exchange messages with this “unholy political alliance”.

He stressed that other institutions should also show the same level of self-responsibility that the army has shown.

Faiz' transfer plot against PTI

Meanwhile, Imran Khan told reporters after the hearing in the ₹190 million corruption case in Adiala Jail that he believed the transfer of retired General Faiz Hameed from his post as head of Inter-Services Intelligence to corps commander in Peshawar was part of a conspiracy to overthrow his regime.

Mr Khan claimed that this was done by former army chief Qamar Javed Bajwa at the behest of Nawaz Sharif.

He insisted that the PTI was still demanding a judicial inquiry into the May 9 incidents, but the establishment seemed unwilling to do so.

He also claimed that efforts were being made to secure a two-thirds majority for the ruling coalition and to extend the term of office of the incumbent Chief Justice.

On Friday, Mr Khan also announced his intention to stand for the post of Chancellor of the University of Oxford while in prison.

“No talks until the PTI gets serious”

PML-N Senator Irfan Siddiqui indicated that his party would no longer “repeatedly call” the PTI for talks, but reiterated that the PTI must take the issue seriously.

In an interview with DawnNews, Mr Siddiqui said: “We have repeatedly said, 'Well, you have entered Parliament – by whatever means – then at least sit down at that level and try to sort out your issues.'”

“[But] They do not want to talk, and we have also decided that we will not keep shouting to them from our rooftops: ‘Come and talk to us,’” added the politician.

He added, however, that the PML-N and its coalition partners would “consider whether to open the door for talks with the PTI or not” if the latter “took the matter seriously”.

The senator stressed that the start of a dialogue depends on when the PTI understands that “we should not talk to the army but to politicians”.

He added that Mahmood Khan Achakzai, chairman of the Pashtunkhwa Milli Awami Party and leader of the opposition alliance, may succeed in [the PTI] understand” that a dialogue between the political parties is necessary.

Malik Asad in Islamabad also contributed to this report

Published in Dawn, August 18, 2024