I am here to break the shackles of fear, claims PTI chief

KARACHI: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chairman Imran Khan after arriving at PTI candidate Imran Ismail's house in Karachi, began his press conference by saying, "I am here to break the shackles of fear."

Before a brief interruption due to an argument between the media and the PTI members, Khan went on to say that his parents also migrated to Pakistan, but he never used the word 'Muhajir'.

However, he claimed that he is "half Muhajir."

He further said that people cannot cast votes in Karachi due to fear, adding that politics in the metropolis is based on terror and hatred.

“I am here and will go to Jinnah park, I want to tell people you cannot have fear,” he said.

He added that he has come prepared for all sorts of welcome, which could be with eggs and tomatoes.

Khan apologised to the media for those who could not get access to the press conference.

He went on to say that election in NA-246 will be historic.

The PTI chief added, “I want to make it clear if our workers are attacked, our team in London is ready to file case there.”

He further said that he congratulates entire Pakistan for formation of the Judicial Commission, especially those who participated in the dharna for 126 days.

Khan went on to say that all parties are united against PTI because they don't want change and added that this was the time for change in Karachi so “don't waste this opportunity.”

“We must bring peace to Karachi as this will bring prosperity to all. A rising Karachi means a rising Pakistan.”

He further said PTI will try to convince Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) to withdraw its candidate and support Imran Ismail.

Regarding the state of affairs in the city, he also said that previously it was only the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) collecting bhatta, but now multiple groups have adopted the same traits.

He compared the similarities of PTI and MQM and said that both parties want an end to dynastic politics, however, the ‘gun culture’ is absolutely not encouraged by PTI.

“Naya Pakistan will be created when dynastic politics is finished.”

He added, “We have been pressurised by our workers multiple times to form a military wing for our protection but we resisted as we are peaceful.”

Regarding Pakistan’s involvement in Yemen, he said Pakistan should not send troops to fight someone else's war in the same way as sending troops to Waziristan.

After reaching Karachi airport earlier, Khan said “Karachi is a mini-Pakistan, it is my home and I’m really happy to be here.”

Speaking to media at the airport, he said he will spend all day at the NA-246 constituency tomorrow and meet the people from there.

He arrived earlier at the Jinnah International Airport along with Imran Ismail and Jehangir Tareen after making a day’s visit to Hyderabad where he stressed the need to focus attention on the province of Sindh.

Addressing the media in Hyderabad today, the PTI chairman congratulated everyone on the formation of the Judicial Commission today – which is to be headed by the Chief Justice of Pakistan.