Imran Khan accuses Aleem Khan, Jahangir Tareen of seeking 'illegal benefits'

• Imran Khan accuses Aleem Khan and Jahangir Khan Tareen of seeking "illegal benefits" from him.
• "Aleem Khan expected me to legalise his 300-acre land near Ravi," he says.
• Ex-PM adds that issues with Jahangir Khan developed on sugar crisis.

 ISLAMABAD: Former prime minister and PTI Chairman Imran Khan revealed the reason behind his differences with former aides Aleem Khan and Jahangir Khan Tareen and said that both were seeking "illegal benefits from him."

Speaking during a podcast a day earlier, the former premier revealed that differences with both estranged leaders developed when he refused to entertain their requests. 

Khan, sharing the details of those benefits, said: “Aleem Khan expected me to legalise his 300-acre land near Ravi”, adding "from then onwards, I developed differences with him."

Read more: Sharifs preparing to launch character assassination drive against me, Imran Khan says

Talking about Tareen, the PTI chairman stated that his problem was the sugar mill scandal on which a commission was also formed.

“Tareen stood with those who are the biggest dacoits in the country. When I ordered a probe into the matter, differences developed with Tareen.”

'US has now found supporters in Pakistan' 

Khan further added that beneficiaries of a corrupt system are holding prominent positions in state institutions, while there are other people who support them.

"We could not legislate because there was no majority. We will come to power only if we get a majority in the Parliament," he said.

Shedding light on the relations with the United States, Khan said that the US has now found supporters in Pakistan. “Eighty thousand of our people were killed in the US war [in the war on terror], and advocating an independent foreign policy does not mean I am anti-US.”

'Never interfered in judiciary'

Criticising the present government, the former prime minister said that 60% of the people in the cabinet are currently on bail. “Shehbaz Sharif’s Rs16 billion corruption reference is an open and shut case. Sharif family is either on bail or convicted, they are now imposed on the nation.”

Read more: Govt to form commission to probe alleged foreign conspiracy behind Imran Khan's ouster, Marriyum Aurangzeb says

The PTI supremo said that he has never interfered in the judiciary. He, however, complained that the courts are not taking action against those who overthrew the government with Rs20-25 crores.

Khan said that even if PTI lose the election, they will not give tickets to those who enter politics for personal gain. “Our system is such that money is spent in Senate elections. But Yousuf Raza Gilani’s son was spared after he was caught bribing lawmakers.”

Aleem Khan invites Imran Khan to live debate

Aleem Khan challenged Imran Khan to have a live debate with him and Jahangir Tareen regarding the allegations levelled against them.

Addressing a press conference on Friday, Aleem said that the ousted prime minister should address him with respect and in return, he will also give Khan the due respect.

The estranged PTI member revealed that the land Imran Khan was talking about was his property since 2010.

“I was with Imran Khan in the Opposition from 2010 to 2018 and I own the property since 2010,” he highlighted, adding that the PTI chairman also visited the property when his father died.

“Did I know 10 years ago that Imran Khan will become the prime minister in 2018?” he questioned.

Correcting the figures, he said that he owns 3,000 acres of land and not just 300 acres, mentioning that he did not acquire lands but instead bought them from private landlords.

He further added that this land is now with Ravi Urban Development Authority (RUDA) — which was formed by Imran Khan. Aleem Khan questioned how RUDA sold this land to private developers when it bought the land at the government price.

“An investigation should be done regarding the developers who have been given the land,” he added.

He revealed that the land was given to favoured private developers. “If your [Imran Khan] golf course can be constructed under RUDA then why not my housing society?” Aleem Khan questioned.

“Did I stand by you [Imran Khan] during all difficult phases to change the status of my 300-acre land?” he questioned, warning that if Khan continues to level false allegations against him, he would not remain silent.

He said if Imran Khan wants to unveil the truth, then he should sit with him and Tareen to hold talks.

The estranged leader complained that Khan levelled such allegations against him in return for his hard work and effort.

Aleem also mentioned that he met the American and European ambassadors at Imran Khan’s residence. “If you can meet the British ambassador before coming to power, why not later?” he questioned.

“If you meet them [envoys] you are a patriot and if others meet them, they are traitors?” he questioned.