ISLAMABAD – Prime Minister Imran Khan’s defence of U-turns has opened up floodgates of criticism for Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf.
A report by local television has listed how the PTI chief twisted his statements over a period of time before he finally defended taking U-turns ‘as the sign of a true leader’.
TLP Protest
Prime Minister Imran Khan made a strong speech when workers of Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan staged a protest against the acquittal of Asia Bibi, however, an agreement was inked just a couple of days after the speech which was widely lauded.
IMF Bailout
The incumbent premier had a different stance over taking bailout programme from International Monetary Fund (IMF) and he once preferred committing suicide over taking IMF support.
However, after assuming power, Imran Khan’s government is all set to seek the support of IMF for repairing the faltering economy.
The PTI leaders also defended the party chief and claimed that after assuming power, Imran Khan would bring in $200 billion, however, the plan could not be materialized to this day.
‘I would feel bad roaming around in the world in search of money,’ Khan had said before taking office, however, he headed to Saudi Arabia and then China seeking economic assistance.
Federal Cabinet
The report broadcasted by Geo News also highlighted that Imran Khan had confirmed having a cabinet with 20 members, however, after assuming power, Imran Khan took in more ministers.
Atif Mian’s Ouster
The Imran Khan-led government had included Atif Mian in the Economic Advisory Council, however, after facing a backlash for religious reasons, the government backed off and Atif Mian was shown the door.
Sheikh Rasheed
The 22nd premier of Pakistan had an altogether different view about Awami Muslim League chief Sheikh Rasheed and had affirmed that he would not even employ him as a ‘sweeper’.
However, even before winning General Elections of 2018, Sheikh Rasheed had assumed a central role in Imran Khan’s political advisers.
Pervez Elahi
The former chief minister of Punjab Pervez Elahi was not in the good books of Imran Khan a few years back after he was branded as the ‘biggest dacoit of Punjab’.
However, the same ‘dacoit’ won the elections for Punjab Assembly’s Speaker after the overwhelming support of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf.
Metro Bus Project
The cricketer-turned-politician was not a fan of infrastructure development and fired broadside at Pakistan Muslim league Nawaz for its pricey Metro Bus Projects, however, his government in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is establishing the same Metro Bus n Peshawar.
Electables
Prime Minister Imran Khan was against the electables and independent candidates who switch loyalties for power, however, before the last general elections, he welcomed independents and electables in droves to pave his path to victory.
Jahangir Tareen
PTI chief Imran Khan changed his stance on Jahangir Tareen’s role and once had confirmed that whoever is disqualified by the Supreme Court would go home.
https://en.dailypakistan.com.pk/pakistan/sc-disqualifies-jahangir-tareen/
However, even after his disqualification by apex courts, Tareen calls the shots in PTI.
Bogus Parliament
PTI branded the parliament as ‘fake’ when it was staging a protest against the electoral rigging, however, the party returned to the same house after the Army Public School carnage.
Article 62, 63
Imran Khan also changed his stance over Article 62, 63 of the constitution as once he termed the said clauses ‘unimplementable’.
However, when the apex court was disqualifying former premier Nawaz Sharif, the same Imran Khan expressed that the implementation of Article 62, 63 was necessary for leadership skills.
35 Puncture
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf chief Imran Khan once stirred a hullabaloo in the power corridors by his ’35 puncture’ theory saying, the interim chief minister Najam Sethi was responsible for manoeuvring General Elections 2013 in favour of PML-N.
However, the statements were later dubbed ‘political’.
In an interaction with newsmen on Friday, the incumbent premier expressed that one does not become a leader unless he does not take U-turns according to the situation.
