Pakistan Establishment Will Hold Next Polls When They're Sure Of My Defeat, Says Imran Khan

Former Pakistan PM Imran Khan has said that the military establishment wants to stop his party from winning the next elections. He further said that they will only hold elections when they're sure of PTI's defeat.

Former Pakistan PM Imran Khan

Source : Getty

Former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan said that the military establishment wanted to stop his party Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) from scoring a win in the next elections and pave the way for a weak government as Pakistan seeks to avert a financial crisis. He alleged that the government and military's push to arrest his supporters is evidence that they are looking to crush his party before a vote which must be held by mid-October. Authorities on the other hand have said that they wish to hold accountable anyone who attacked the military buildings following Khan's brief detention in May, reported Bloomberg.

The former Prime Minister denied his supporters and his party's involvement in the attacks, he accused the government of using the incident as a pretext to carry out an "unprecedented crackdown." He said, "It's all dependent on the establishment feeling that PTI will no longer be able to win the elections. Once they are sure of that, then they'll announce elections."

Representatives of the government and the military didn't respond to any requests for comment on Khan's claims. Though both have previously said that Khan and his supporters crossed the line by attacking state-owned property. 

Pakistan's military is the nation's most powerful institution, which also holds a dominating position in foreign and security policies. Most prime ministers have also been dependent on the institution's support in order to stay in power.

In the interview with Bloomberg, the former PM said it would be hard for any party to win a strong mandate which will lead to a fractured government to grapple with a dire financial situation that has forced his successor, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, to seek help from the International Monetary Fund and bilateral donors. The opposition leader blamed the current crisis on mismanagement by Sharif's government.

The political chaos has increased as Pakistan endures the worst economic crisis in its history. Consumer prices in the country have risen to an all-time high this week, growth estimates were slashed, and the prospect of default has risen. However, Khan has said that if he comes back, he will improve the situation, reported Bloomberg.