Pakistan’s ousted Prime Minister Imran Khan has claimed that the then Army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa had put strain on him to develop pleasant ties with India.

Relations between India and Pakistan have often been strained over the Kashmir issue and cross-border terrorism emanating from Pakistan. However, their ties nose-dived after India abrogated Article 370 of the Constitution, revoking the particular standing of Jammu and Kashmir and bifurcating the State into two Union Territories on August 5, 2019.

“Gen. Bajwa wanted me to develop friendly ties with India. He put pressure on me for this and it was one of the reasons our relationship deteriorated,” Mr. Khan claimed throughout an interplay with social media journalists at his Lahore’s Zaman Park residence on Saturday night.

He, nonetheless, reiterated his stance that Pakistan ought to solely maintain peace talks with India supplied New Delhi restores the particular standing of Jammu and Kashmir.

India has repeatedly informed Pakistan that it wishes regular neighbourly relations with Islamabad in an atmosphere freed from terror, hostility and violence.

The 70-year-old Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chairman additional stated what Gen Bajwa (retd.) did to Pakistan even an enemy could not do. “Bajwa should be held accountable by the army,” he stated.

Mr. Khan previously accused Mr. Bajwa of not solely toppling his nation that laid a basis of financial catastrophe but additionally committing atrocities in opposition to him, his social gathering members and journalists. “Mr. Bajwa wanted me killed,” Mr. Khan alleged.

Mr. Khan has been at loggerheads with Gen Bajwa (retd.) ever since his ouster from energy in April final 12 months by a no-confidence movement.

Gen Bajwa (retd.) retired on November 29 last year after two consecutive three-year phrases.

Regarding the PML-N led federal authorities’s assertion that it will not settle for the decision of a three-member bench of Supreme Court headed by Chief Justice Umar Ata Bandial in polls in two provinces, Mr. Khan stated: “I know what kind of benefits this cabal of corrupts would get by delaying the elections in Punjab and Kyber Pakhtunkhwa provinces. They are just delaying elections hoping to crush the PTI or finish Imran Khan.” Mr. Khan requested the ruling alliance to clarify the explanations for suspending polls until October, 2023. “If elections are not held within 90 days in two provinces Pakistan will be without a constitution,” he said.

Mr. Khan’s party had dissolved assemblies in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provinces in January after which a caretaker setup took over. Under the Constitution, elections are held within 90 days from the date of dissolution of an Assembly.

“Pakistan is dealing with a important second in its historical past. The nation should stand by the Constitution and rule of regulation,” Mr. Khan asserted.