Imran says 'mafia' word rightly used for govt

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GEO NEWS
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The PTI chairman speaking to media outside Lahore airport's Hajj Terminal. — Geo News screengrab

LAHORE: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chairman Imran Khan Saturday said the 'mafia' word (by a Supreme Court judge) was rightly used for the government, accusing it of employing every tactic to avoid accountability.

Speaking to media men outside the Lahore airport's Hajj Terminal, Khan said the ruling family was going to be held accountable for the first time in the country's history, but a perception was being given away that they have always been held answerable.

"This is wrong to say that Sharif family has always been held accountable," he said, alleging them of pressurising (institutions).

The PTI chairman said that "this isn't 1997 when you could attack (the Supreme Court)".

In a clear reference to Nehal Hashmi, he said that no one demonstrates such vigour while orating, unless he has backing from someone.

Hashmi, in the video of his address at a Karachi rally on May 28, was seen threatening the ones "investigating the prime minister's son".

"You will not be spared; you are in service now but remember you will retire tomorrow. Those investigating us [must know] we will observe your day of judgment," he was seen roaring.

On June 1, the apex court, while hearing a contempt case against Nehal Hashmi, had compared his May 28 outburst at a Karachi rally with mafia threats. During the hearing, Justice Azmat Saeed, remarked that only mafias and terrorists threaten children in the way that he [Hashmi] did.

The remarks prompted the government to issue a statement on June 1, expressing 'deep sorrow and regret'. A spokesman for the federal government termed the "against judicial traditions and code of ethics of the apex court".

Khan said only a mafia threatens others, not democratic people, adding, "Threatening someone by mentioning their children is a mafia's style".

He said the people of Pakistan have become aware of the happenings and that he would make them come out into the streets. He claimed this time Sharifs will not get a chance to go to Jeddah or London.

The PTI chairman maintained that he had brought his legitimate earnings to the country from abroad. "I have complete record of it, which has been provided to the Supreme Court."