In a recent press conference, Minister of State for Poverty Alleviation and Social Safety, Faisal Karim Kundi, made a startling announcement, revealing that Imran Khan, the Chairman of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), is planning to seek political asylum in the United States. This revelation has sent shockwaves through the political landscape of Pakistan, adding to the ongoing turmoil surrounding Khan and his party.
Kundi, who is affiliated with the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), shared this information with the media, stating that he had received the news through his sources. “I have some news to share with you: Imran Khan will soon apply for political asylum in America,” Kundi announced during the press conference.
The PTI has faced increasing pressure from the state after Khan’s arrest on May 9, which triggered violent protests by PTI workers. These protests included the burning and smashing of military installations, including the General Headquarters in Rawalpindi, leading the army to label that day as a “Black Day.” The army has called for those involved in the attacks on military installations to be prosecuted under the Pakistan Army Act and the Official Secrets Act.
As a result of the protests, numerous PTI leaders and workers have been arrested. In response to the ongoing situation, Asad Umar, a close aide of Imran Khan, has decided to step down from his positions as secretary general and core committee member.
The PTI has also witnessed several prominent leaders and lawmakers publicly denouncing the attacks on state installations and announcing their departure from the party since the May 9 vandalism. Notable figures such as Shireen Mazari, Aamir Mehmood Kiani, Malik Amin Aslam, Mahmood Moulvi, Aftab Siddiqui, and Fayyazul Hassan Chohan have distanced themselves from the party amid the escalating tensions.
Adding to the PTI’s woes, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has revealed that the federal government is contemplating imposing a ban on the PTI. Asif cited evidence suggesting that the party’s supporters carried out “pre-planned” and “coordinated” attacks on public properties and military installations, further escalating the severity of the situation.
During the press conference, Minister Kundi emphasized that news of Imran Khan’s intention to apply for political asylum would soon make headlines. He also raised concerns about Khan’s pending cases in both America and Britain, implying that these legal issues have prevented him from traveling to the United Kingdom and are now pushing him towards seeking refuge in the United States.
The possibility of Imran Khan, a prominent figure in Pakistani politics, seeking political asylum in the United States has sparked intense speculation and debate. As the situation unfolds, political analysts and observers will closely monitor the developments surrounding Imran Khan and the PTI, as the country braces itself for potential significant shifts in its political landscape.
