Sindh Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon today launched a scathing critique of the PTI founder, labeling him a “product of the establishment” who has now turned against the very backers who helped him ascend to power in 2018. Speaking at a press conference, Memon asserted that the PTI chief”s three-and-a-half-year tenure was a “dark period” defined by political victimization and a lack of public service.
Memon alleged that a conspiracy was underway against the same powers that had facilitated PTI”s rise, accusing the party”s founder of hypocrisy for criticizing them now. He reminded the public that Khan had previously enjoyed an ideal relationship with the establishment, openly admitting to seeking institutional help to pass legislation and even offering a lifetime extension to General Bajwa to avert a no-confidence motion.
“If this conflict were based on principle, it would have started before he lost power, not afterward,” the minister stated, adding that Khan only began his critique when the institutions became neutral.
Characterizing PTI”s time in government as devoid of significant achievement, Memon claimed no major projects were initiated for public welfare. “Apart from langar khanas, nothing meaningful was provided,” he remarked, noting that the hospitals and universities often praised by the PTI leader were built through donations.
The minister accused the PTI government of misusing state institutions for political retribution. He contended that anyone critical of Khan on television would face a NAB inquiry the following day, leading to selective arrests of political opponents. Memon cited the cases of PPP leaders Faryal Talpur, Khursheed Shah, and Agha Siraj Durrani as examples of this “political dictatorship.”
He specifically recounted how Faryal Talpur was arrested from a hospital on Eid night. While expressing sorrow over any mistreatment of Imran Khan’s sister, Aleema Khan, Memon urged the public to remember the actions taken against political rivals during PTI”s rule.
The PPP leader also criticized the PTI founder for internationalizing domestic politics, claiming he spoke against opponents during visits to the United States and spread his narrative globally. He pointed to an article in The Jerusalem Post and statements from Israel regarding Pakistan”s internal situation as consequences of this approach.
Citing the late journalist Arshad Sharif, Memon alleged that Imran Khan had received election funding from Israel and India. He also mentioned the influence on the judiciary during that era, referencing former Chief Justice Saqib Nisar”s declaration of Khan as “honest and trustworthy.”
In contrast, Memon highlighted the PPP”s contributions, including making Pakistan a nuclear power and giving the country its constitution. He praised former President Asif Ali Zardari for his resilience during twelve years of imprisonment and for unifying the nation with the “Pakistan Khappe” slogan after Benazir Bhutto”s assassination.
Regarding speculation about a potential ban on PTI, Memon clarified that the PPP does not support banning any political party but cautioned that parties should avoid pursuing a “path that leads to a dead end.”