Imran criticises Zardari, vows to shift focus to Sindh

SUKKUR: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan, while addressing a rally at Lab-e-Mehran Ground on Friday, promised to shift his focus to Sindh.

 "I will become more active in Sindh now and focus on it. People of Sindh need tabdeeli [change] the most. We need to improve Sindh's police," he said.

While targeting former president Asif Ali Zardari, he said that Zardari has looted Sindh's wealth.

"The money that was supposed to be spent on your [Sindh's] education, water, law and security was looted," he said, adding "you have to fight the people who looted your money." 

He also said, "I promise you, soon you will hear Zardari asking 'why was I disqualified'". 

"We cannot succeed until we bring 'big dacoits' to justice," remarked the PTI chief, adding, "We have to curb the rampant corruption in the country. We have to clean the country of corrupt people."

Speaking about former prime minister Nawaz Sharif, he said that "Nawaz has been engaged in corrupt practices since the last 30 years."

"You [Nawaz] lied to the court, you lied to the parliament, you submitted forged documents to the court, you destroyed the state's institutions and after all that, you have the audacity to ask what wrong you did," said Imran. 

Nawaz has expressed remarks against the judiciary. "But you [Nawaz] should remember that we are standing with the judiciary." 

"Nawaz only cares about saving himself from jail. He knows once he is jailed all his assets will be frozen. Just to protect his looted wealth, he is destroying the country's institutions," alleged the PTI chairman. 

Nawaz Sharif's silence over the remarks expressed by US President Donald Trump speaks volume. "Nawaz only cares about his wealth abroad." 

He urged his followers to not vote for anyone who has assets abroad. "You can't expect loyalty from such people."

"We want to bring meritocracy to Pakistan, improve the water situation, improve the steel mills among others," he said while sharing his party's agenda for the upcoming elections.

Imran Khan also highlighted the importance of addressing environmental issues during his address. "I want people from Switzerland to come and see how beautiful Pakistan really is."

He also shared that he envisions a greener and brighter Pakistan.

PTI leaders also targeted Zardari and warned the politician that after Nawaz Sharif, they will come after him now.

People of Sindh have been extremely resilient, said PTI leader Shah Mehmood Qureshi. 

The PPP has failed to apprehend the murderers of Benazir Bhutto, he said. "Today's rally seeks to give a new direction to the politics in Sindh," he remarked. 

“People of Sindh have always supported Pakistan.”

"Zardari, pay attention! We are here now. We will go to all districts of Sindh to bring about tabdeeli [change]," said Shah Mehmood Qureshi. 

I just have hope in one person now, remarked Awami Muslim League leader Sheikh Rasheed while addressing the public gathering. “I just want Imran Khan to come to power and improve the lives of the poor.”

If we bring Asif Ali Zardari and Nawaz Sharif’s looted wealth back into the country then we can pay back our IMF loans, claimed the AML leader. 

On Trump’s statements regarding Pakistan, he said that even China and Russia came to our defense. However, the only person who stayed silent was Nawaz Sharif, he added. 

"We will not spare anyone who casts an evil eye towards Pakistan," said Sheikh Rasheed, adding "the entire nation is standing with Pakistan Army." 

PPP was creating propaganda that Imran Khan will not come to Sukkur, said PTI Sukkur leader Mubeen Ahmed Jatoi.

“PPP failed to even make streets for the people of Sukkur,” he pointed out during his brief address. “After Punjab, the tsunami has come to Sindh.”

Bilawal Bhutto Zardari is a product of corruption and how dare he question people’s corruption, remarked Liaquat Jatoi on the occasion. 

PTI leaders Jahangir Tareen and Shah Mehmood Qureshi accompanied chairman Imran Khan, who had earlier urged supporters to attend the rally. Awami Muslim League leader Sheikh Rasheed is also present during the rally. 

Reports of baton charge were also reported at the site in order to control the rowdy crowd.

Imran Khan had reached Sukkur at 6PM and headed straight for the site of the rally. 

Earlier, sources had said Imran and other senior PTI leaders, including Shah Mehmood Qureshi, will arrive at Sukkur in the afternoon and head for the rally.

Party workers had started amassing at the venue around 2PM. 

Security arrangements 

Administrative and security arrangements for the event were completed, with an estimated 1,500 police personnel deployed for the event. 

Officials said around 150 traffic police personnel will be deployed as well as the bomb disposal squad. 

Police said they will seal all routes leading to the venue at 2PM. 

Moreover, police have set up three entry points to the venue — two for men and one for women. 

In a special video message on Thursday, the PTI chairman urged supporters to attend the rally. 

In the video message, Imran regretted that lately he has been unable to visit Sindh because of his time-consuming ‘struggle’ in the Panama Leaks case.

He urged the people of Sindh to participate in the party’s political gathering [today].

“I am aware of the issues of Sindh, and in the rally, I will speak on how the situation in the province can improve,” he said.

“We will give our plan on how the people of Sindh can become prosperous; how the youth can get jobs.”