Pakistan: Imran Khan praises India's foreign policy in speech during ‘Haqeeqi Azadi’ march
Imran Khan at the march
Imran Khan, the former Pakistani prime minister, kicked offhis "Haqeeqi Azadi" (Real freedom) march to Islamabad from Lahore,on Fridayafter several hours of delay. During his first speech, he once again praised India's independentforeign policy in the context of purchasing Russian oil despitewestern pressure amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
"The decisions of this nation must be made inside the nation. If Russia is giving cheap oil and if I have the choice to save my countrymen, no one should ask us. No one should be able to tell us," said Khan.
The former PM also drew a comparison between the two countries andsaid, "We had spoken to Russia about buying cheaper oil but this government has no courage to say no to US pressure...If India which got independence at the same time as Pakistan and if New Delhi can take a firm stand and make their foreign policy as per the need of its people then who are they (current PM Shehbaz Sharif's government) who are toeing the line."
According to a report by ANI, Khan also asserted that Pakistanis are suffering due to high inflation and went on to take a jibe atthe ruling party, saying, "Imported thieves have done the blunder of inflation. But they (ruling party members) are acquitted of Rs 11 crore scam."
WATCH | Day 2: Around 10,000 people gather for Imran Khan's 'Azadi March'
He added, "My aim is only one. We were freed from the Britishers and it is time we start the Haqeeqi Azadi. This is my message to all Pakistanis. This march is not for politics and not for elections or for religion. There is only one motive for the rally that I want to make Pakistan free.”
Khan had announced the march at a news conference held in Lahore on Tuesday.“I have decided to launch the long march from Friday at 11 am from Liberty Square in Lahore to Islamabad,” Khan said, adding: “I am marching to press the government to announce elections immediately.”
A long-standing demand of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader, the march is considered as Khan's attempt to pressure the current administration into calling early elections.When police and PTI demonstrators had battled in numerous places during Khan's earlier march in May.
Islamabad police stated it is fully prepared to make sure that no untoward event occurs, despite the fact that PTI officials, including Khan, have appealed for non-violence and calm during the "Haqeeqi Azadi" march. More than 13,000 officers have been stationed in the capital of Pakistan, according to Dawn.
Rana Sanaullah, the interior minister, said that the marchers will be dealt with harshly by the government. If there is any attempt to breach the law, "severe action" will be taken, he warned.
(With inputs from agencies)
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