Tarar asserts no compromise on corruption, challenges PTI leader’s financial sources
Islamabad:
Information Minister Ataullah Tarar stated that former Prime Minister Imran Khan seeks to strike a deal, but emphasized that there will be no negotiations on corruption or an NRO (National Reconciliation Ordinance). He further claimed that Khan had been telling his associates to “get me out.”
In a press conference in Islamabad, Tarar referred to the 190 million pounds mega-corruption scandal, calling it an unprecedented case in the history of corruption scandals. He questioned why the UK’s National Crime Agency (NCA) returned the money to Pakistan, despite declaring Shahbaz Sharif innocent. “If the money wasn’t confiscated, why did the NCA return it to Pakistan? It was the people’s money,” Tarar said.
The Minister also challenged Imran Khan, saying that Khan is the only political leader in Pakistan’s history to publicly claim that he has no source of income. Tarar urged PTI to reveal Khan’s source of income, questioning how he could afford a 250 million rupee house in Lahore without one.
He further accused Khan of benefiting from decisions made during the PTI government, particularly in relation to the approval of sealed cabinet files, which allegedly allowed Khan to amass billions of rupees through settlement of fines. Tarar also claimed that Khan, along with his wife Bushra Bibi and associate Farah Gogi, were deeply involved in corruption.
“We expect justice to be served. Those who have committed these acts will have to face the consequences. There can be no discussion on the mega-corruption scandal,” Tarar added. He stated that negotiations were ongoing, and the government hoped they would proceed smoothly.
Regarding Imran Khan’s desire for a deal, Tarar reaffirmed that there would be no compromise on corruption or an NRO. He also claimed that Khan was urging his supporters to help him escape.
The Minister further criticized Farah Gogi and Shehzad Akbar, urging them to return and face their cases, claiming they lacked the courage to do so.
In closing, Tarar highlighted positive economic indicators from the World Economic Forum, stating that the risk of Pakistan defaulting had been completely eliminated.
