Imran draws flak over calling PSL foreign players ‘phatichar’

Marriyum says Imran’s statement reflected his mentality; Sanaullah says PTI chief talked in language of RAW; Hamdullah says no difference between Imran and Modi; Naeemul Haq says PTI chairman doesn’t need to apologise

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman and former cricket captain, Imran Khan was strongly criticised by Pakistanis on Tuesday after his remarks about foreign players who participated in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) tournament were perceived as racist. In a widely circulated video that was apparently filmed during a meeting with leaders of his party, Imran Khan was seen referring to the foreign cricketers as ‘phatichar’ (disreputable) players “from Africa”.

Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting Marriyum Aurangzeb said Imran Khan’s remarks about foreign players participating in the final of PSL are regrettable.  She said whenever Imran Khan talks, he talks against Pakistan. She said that terrorist incidents in country have decreased by 84 percent as compared to 2013.

Responding to questions by media persons in Islamabad after attending a ceremony, she said successful holding of the final was a message to terrorists from fearless Pakistanis to brace the challenge squarely. The minister said Imran Khan visits India in connection with Indian Premier League (IPL), offers commentary and awards trophies. However, she said, Imran declares as madness the bold decision of the Punjab government to accept the challenge and organise the final in Lahore. 

She said remarks of Imran about foreign players are reflective of his mentality and people would think many times before making a choice in the 2018 general elections. 

Punjab Law Minister Rana Sanaullah lashed out at Imran, saying he is talking the language of Indian agency RAW. Talking to the media outside Punjab Assembly, Sanaullah said Imran’s statements are anti-Pakistan. 

He demanded Imran Khan to seek an apology from the nation and to withdraw his statement, saying that today it has been proved that Imran Khan cannot be the leader of the country and nation. He said Imran is like a stubborn child, whose face is revealed before the nation.

He also criticised Jamaat-e-Islami, saying the party took dollars in the Afghan war. Adviser to Prime Minister Amir Muqam said Imran has hurt the sentiments and feelings of Pakistanis by giving inappropriate and irresponsible statement against foreign players.

In a statement, he said the PTI chief should apologise to the people for using such remarks against foreign players. He said Imran Khan has lost his senses. "I could only pray for early recovery of Imran Khan," he said, adding that Imran is the master of taking U-turns. He said after four years in power in KP, the PTI chairman has now realised that his team and its leader are ineligible and have failed to deliver in the province.

Amir Muqam said that Imran Khan needs to change his mind rather his team, adding that no team could survive under the leadership of Imran Khan. The JUI-F Senator Hamdullah said the PTI chief has proved after his statement that there is no difference between him and Modi. 

Meanwhile, the PTI spokesman Naeemul Haq said Imran Khan need not apologise, rather Rana Sanaullah should apologise for insulting a national hero.  Naeemul Haq said Imran Khan was only referring to less famous players.