Swati says federal govt pushing country to bankruptcy

PESHAWAR: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Azam Swati on Tuesday accused the federal government of pushing the country to the brink of bankruptcy, alleging they are treating Pakistan like an ATM machine to siphon off national wealth.

Speaking to media outside the Peshawar High Court, Swati emphasized the need for national unity to counter threats from India. “We must unite to face a hostile neighbour. This is only possible if the people’s leader is released with dignity. The strength of the people, combined with the military, is the only way to defeat such a dangerous enemy,” he said.

The PTI leader condemned Indian aggression and human rights violations in Occupied Kashmir, calling it one of the worst chapters in the history of humanity. “War clouds are looming over the region, and our soldiers stand ready at the borders. But what’s missing is the leadership of a popular national figure who remains behind bars,” he remarked.

He reiterated his demand for the immediate release of PTI’s founding chairman, arguing that national interest warranted his freedom. “On November 26, 2022, our leader clearly said in a rally that both the country and the army are his. I appeal to the decision-makers to understand the urgency of the situation,” Swati said.

He also took aim at the coalition government, calling them “clowns” who cannot save the country. “Nawaz Sharif, Shehbaz Sharif, and Asif Zardari are looting the country like it’s their personal ATM. They are transferring the nation’s wealth abroad,” he alleged.

Swati insisted that the release of the PTI founding chairman was not only inevitable but essential for restoring the trust of the 90 percent of Pakistanis who, he claimed, supported Imran Khan. “A unified nation, powered by public support, is key to protecting Pakistan’s sovereignty,” he added.