Pakistan's former prime minister Imran Khan on Sunday hosted a big rally in which he unveiled his party's 10-point programme for the country's economic revival, including perks for the diaspora, news agency PTI reported.
Addressing a public gathering at Minar-i-Pakistan in the early hours of Sunday, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chairman Imran Khan urged the country's ruling party to present a strategy to rescue Pakistan from the several problems in which it finds itself.
"I challenge that the incumbent rulers don’t have the ability or the intention [to save the country],” he was quoted by PTI in its report.
Khan, 70, said he would gladly stand away if the establishment informed him of a strategy.
"I know what the programme is…there is no programme,” he was quoted by Dawn in its report.
While announcing the 10-point plan, Khan stated that expatriate Pakistanis will be encouraged to invest in Pakistan in order to attract foreign direct investment and prevent having to go to the IMF again and again.
“We will facilitate all those who would export and bring dollars into the country,” he added.
Pakistan, which is in desperate need of finances as it confronts a devastating economic crisis, has previously received economic aid from the IMF. The country is in talks with a major lender to restart its credit programme.
Khan stated that the government must make painful decisions in order to enhance tax revenues and exports. “A major surgery is needed to put our house in order. Overseas Pakistanis will bring their dollars to the country provided they are given incentives,” he said.
Khan further stated that just 2.5 million Pakistanis out of a total population of 220 million pay taxes.
"There is a need to increase the tax base to achieve progress," he said.
Khan also advocated reinstating the mortgage scheme and providing loans to young people to start enterprises.
Khan stated that his administration will boost tourism and that the mining industry would be focused on income generation.
After taking office, the ex-premier stated that his administration will enhance agricultural production with China's assistance.
He claimed the government will take steps to prevent money laundering and that the current account deficit would be reduced as well.
Khan, who is under fear of death, delivered his speech from a bullet-proof glass enclosure.
Under 'pressure' from the PML-N-led government and the powerful military establishment, Pakistan's broadcast media blacked out coverage of the event.
The authorities were so determined to derail Khan's power display that police blocked all main roads leading to Minar-i-Pakistan with containers and barricades.
Internet access was disrupted in sections of Lahore, particularly near the demonstration venue.
After walking for a long time, the group arrived at the place.
Khan slammed the PML-N-led government and its handlers (a reference to the military establishment) for apprehending and tormenting over 2,000 of his party workers ahead of the rally, saying, "one thing is clear, whoever is in power, they will get a message today that people's passion cannot be curtailed via hurdles and containers."
"The way the powerful circles are behaving in Pakistan today it seems that Imran Khan is the only problem of the country," he said.
Khan said that a cabal of thieves was installed on the country following the overthrow of his administration in April of last year.
“I have completed a century of cases. I may cross 150. Poor spend their entire life fighting false cases in this country. Pakistan has no future if there is no rule of law," he said.
He chastised Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for pleading all over the world but receiving no relief.
"Former army head Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa stated he used to reprimand Shehbaz for 40 minutes and he would not react and listen quietly," Khan remarked, referring to Prime Minister Shehbaz. This is what occurs when you (Shehbaz) get power through the backdoor."
For the first time in his life, the cricketer-turned-politician claimed he felt what Palestinians feel.
“Police attacked my house as they wanted to arrest me in false cases. The people supported me during the clash with the police as they knew I was right. They have booked me in 40 terrorism cases...will the nation accept that Imran Khan is a terrorist?” he asked.
He said that, despite Supreme Court directives, the Election Commission of Pakistan postponed the April 30 Punjab Assembly elections to October 8 under the guise of security and budgetary difficulties.
“Who will guarantee that the elections will be held even in October? The government and its handlers have only one-point agenda – how to stop me from returning to power,” he said.
All eyes were on the Supreme Court to establish rule of law by holding elections in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa within 90 days, according to Khan.
Earlier on Saturday, Khan was granted temporary bail by the Lahore ATC in three charges lodged at the Lahore Race Course police station.
Khan has been charged with receiving presents, including an expensive Graff wristwatch, at a discounted price from the state storehouse known as Toshakhana as the premier, and then selling them for profit.
Khan was deposed from office in April of last year after losing a no-confidence vote, becoming Pakistan's first prime leader to be deposed by the National Assembly.
(With Inputs From PTI)