Foreign conspiracy: PTI again asks CJP to form judicial commission

ISLAMABAD: The PTI has once again asked the Supreme Court to form a judicial commission to conduct a probe into what the party believes was a foreign conspiracy to topple the Imran Khan government.

Speaking at a press conference, a day after the military spokesperson, Major General Babar Iftikhar, rejected the PTI’s narrative of a conspiracy, PTI Secretary-General Asad Umar said Chairman Imran Khan will again write to Chief Justice Umar At Bandial to constitute a judicial panel and hold a transparent inquiry into the matter.

The former premier had written a letter to the CJP and President Arif Alvi on April 30, seeking an open inquiry.   "The silence from the Presidency and Supreme Court of Pakistan is creating a sense of betrayal and helplessness amongst the people of Pakistan," he had stated.

Today, the PTI leaders repeated their stance that their government was removed as part of a "foreign-funded conspiracy", claiming that diplomats were having meetings with the dissident lawmakers.

While referring to the meeting of the National Security Committee (NSA) held in the last days of the PTI-led government, Umar said they were present in the meeting which discussed the cable and

"The civilian side was of the view that there is a conspiracy against the regime".

“It was a clear threat. It was written that if the no-confidence motion fails, Pakistan would have to pay the price and if Imran Khan is shown the door, then Pakistan will be forgiven.”

He said that it is the people’s right to know the facts and who was behind the move.

Umar said that the party still wants this to be investigated by a judicial panel and an open hearing conducted.

Meanwhile, former human rights minister Shireen Mazari asked why the US diplomats met PTI MNA Noor Alam Khan.

“Ever since Imran Khan said ‘Absolutely Not’ to the air bases, the conspiracy started,” Mazari said.

Imran Khan had gone to Russia after taking everyone into confidence, the minister said, adding that a reference to this was also given in the letter.

“We are compiling a list of who the US envoy met in Pakistan. Why did the ambassador meet Raja Riaz? Was it to discuss foreign affairs?”

Mazari said that this is "not the first time" this has happened and is the "US style of hatching a conspiracy".

“If an investigation is not conducted, the issue will not end.”