Usman Dar, a trusted aide of Pakistan's former prime minister Imran Khan, who had gone underground following unrest in Pakistan after Khan's arrest on May 9, has made serious allegations against Khan. Dar claims that Khan masterminded the violence on May 9 and planned attacks on sensitive military installations with the aim of removing Army Chief General Asim Munir.
According to Dar, the planning for targeting these sensitive installations during the May 9 violence was discussed in meetings chaired by Khan at his Lahore residence, Zaman Park. Dar alleges that instructions to attack state institutions were given in case Khan was arrested, and the purpose was to exert pressure on the military and remove Gen Munir from his position. Dar also asserts that this conspiracy against the military had been brewing for a long period and May 9 was just a date.
Imran Khan, who is currently incarcerated in Rawalpindi's Adiala Jail, is facing charges of violating the Official Secrets Act. Dar alleges that the long march organized by Khan in October 2022 was aimed at preventing General Munir's appointment as the army chief. He claims that Khan endorsed an anti-state narrative and used party workers as a "human shield" to avoid arrest.
Dar announced his decision to quit the PTI party and politics during the interview, emphasizing the disintegration of the PTI party and Khan's role in it.
In response, the PTI party dismissed Dar's interview, stating that it held no significance in the public eye or legal status. A joint investigation team probing the violence in Punjab province following Khan's arrest had previously implicated Khan and other top PTI leaders in orchestrating the anti-government violence on May 9. The Lahore police have declared Khan and over 900 other party leaders and activists guilty of serious offenses related to the May 9 cases.
These allegations and counter-allegations highlight the political turmoil and controversy surrounding Khan and his party in Pakistan.
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