PM Shehbaz rejects PTI chief’s claim of US involvement in regime change

ISLAMABAD: In a resolute response to former prime minister and the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s allegations of American involvement in last year’s regime change, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has categorically rejected the allegations.

In an interview with WeNews on Thursday, Sharif dismissed the conspiracy theory propagated by the PTI chief, asserting that such claims run counter to the reality of recent geopolitical developments.

Sharif declared, “Had this unfounded theory held any merit, as per the PTI chief’s narrative, our ability to procure cost-effective oil from Russia and rekindle diplomatic ties with China would have been severely hindered.”

Speaking pointedly about the international media’s dissemination of such information, the prime ,inister denounced the act as tantamount to a criminal offense.

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Addressing the coverage featured in ‘Intercept,’ Sharif recounted his active involvement in two National Security Council meetings, during one of which Asad Majeed, the Foreign Secretary, explicitly conveyed that his conversation with United States official Donald Lu yielded no reference to any conspiracy.

“Former army chief Gen (retd) Qamar Javed Bajwa and other service chiefs have unequivocally affirmed that no subversive plots were directed against Pakistan,” Sharif emphasized.

He added, “Imran Khan’s belief in his own ousting being orchestrated by an American conspiracy is contradicted by the mere fact that our government has managed to govern. Our successful negotiation of Russian oil contracts and the reinvigoration of our ties with China, previously strained under Imran Niazi’s tenure, belies such notions.”

The prime minister underscored the PTI chief’s inconsistency, highlighting that Khan himself had acknowledged the absence of any conspiracy in another statement. “The PTI chief’s actions have been detrimental to our nation… His unfounded diatribes against Pakistan were a fabrication, devoid of any factual basis.”

While acknowledging the complexities of Pakistan’s relationship with America, Sharif attributed the challenges to the “disastrous” approach of the former prime minister. “Efforts to normalise our strained ties demanded substantial exertion due to his imprudent policies, which brought our relations to their nadir.”

Commenting on the matter of a caretaker prime minister, Sharif stated that constitutional protocols necessitate adherence. He noted that consultation with the opposition leader prior to forwarding advice to the President for the dissolution of assemblies is integral to the process.

“Upon the dissolution of the assemblies in compliance with constitutional stipulations, consultations with the opposition leader will occur. While I am unable to divulge a name at this time, transparency will be upheld, and nothing will be concealed.”

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif particularly lamented the PTI chief’s actions towards Saudi Arabia, labeling them as deplorable. “Historically, Saudis have extended fraternal support, standing by us in times of need,” Sharif affirmed. He condemned Khan’s attempts to create a bloc isolating Saudi Arabia, asserting that the PTI chief’s international actions had left an indelible negative impact on Pakistan’s global standing.

Reflecting on relations with India, the former prime minister articulated Pakistan’s aspiration for amicable neighborly ties. However, he emphasized that the resolution of the Kashmir and water disputes remained pivotal prerequisites.

“Both nations channel substantial resources into armament, resources that could be better allocated towards the welfare of their people if disputes were amicably settled.”