Imran most popular leader after Quaid-e-Azam, says Pervaiz Elahi

LALAMUSA: President of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi, lauded PTI founder Imran Khan as the most popular and visionary leader in Pakistan’s history after Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah while addressing a charged gathering of PTI workers in Gujrat.

Speaking with fervour, Elahi declared, “After Quaid-e-Azam, if any leader has emerged who has captured the imagination of the people and received such an overwhelming public mandate, it is Imran Khan.” He credited Khan’s unwavering popularity to his “honesty, resilience, and unwavering stance for Pakistan”. Pervaiz Elahi further emphasised that Imran Khan stood firmly with national institutions during testing times. “When the nation and the army needed support, the first voices raised in solidarity were mine and Imran Khan’s,” he stated. “We declared unconditionally that we stand with our army because it is our army. Our brave soldiers laid down their lives to protect this nation, and we, along with the entire country, salute their sacrifices.” In a scathing criticism of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), Elahi accused its leadership of attempting to mislead the public while failing to confront India during a time of national crisis. “Not a single word against Modi came from Mian Nawaz Sharif during the conflict, yet when Pakistan achieved victory, PML-N tried to seize credit,” he remarked. “Fortunately, they didn’t go as far as to say that the dream of Allama Iqbal was seen by Nawaz Sharif as well.” He accused PML-N of political opportunism and claimed the people of Pakistan were now fully aware and politically awakened. “They are not fooling the people — they are fooling themselves,” he said, asserting that the era of political deception is over. While reiterating PTI’s stance on national unity, Elahi dismissed suggestions of a rift between Imran Khan and PTI, calling them “malicious attempts” by political opponents. “Some elements are trying to sow discord between Imran Khan and PTI, but we stand united for this nation and this country.”

He concluded with a passionate tribute to Imran Khan, who remains incarcerated. “For Pakistan and its people, the most beloved leader today is the one sitting behind bars. He stood alone and did everything for this nation. And when the time comes, the institutions will also stand with what is best for Pakistan.”