Lahore: Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan may be facing a lawsuit after Punjab Government spokesperson Malik Ahmad Khan gave him three days to clarify comments made during a recent speech on Friday.
In a video leaked to social media websites earlier this week, Khan could be heard alleging that a large offer was made through a ‘middleman’ to him to keep mum on the Panama scandal. He refused to name the broker, Dawn online reported.
Khan has asked the PTI chief to reveal the identity of the person who allegedly offered him a Rs10 billion (Dh350 million) bribe to keep mum.
“Just imagine how much money he offered me to be silent. Rs10 billion. If he can offer me this much money, just imagine how much he would offer to others. That is why if we don’t maintain public pressure on this issue, then after two months it will be dragged to next year,” Khan appears to be saying in the video.
Maryam Nawaz Sharif was quick to discredit Khan’s claims in a one-word tweet calling him a “liar”.
The decision by the Punjab government indicates a shift in the ruling party’s approach to dealing with Khan’s slanderous claims.
“If Imran Khan does not provide the name in three days, we will file a defamation notice and a claim in a court of competent jurisdiction,” the Punjab government spokesman warned.
Federal Minister for Defence Production and Science and Technology Rana Tanveer Hussain said that Khan is mentally ill and his statement is reflection of his state of mind.
Speaking at an inauguration ceremony of development projects at Rizwan Park of Sheikupura, the minister said that disappointment has been increasing among leaders and workers of PTI due to fake claims and allegations by Khan. He said only a fool can make such an offer to Khan.
The minister was of the opinion that enemies of development and prosperity would not be successful and the incumbent government will complete its term. He added safeguarding this country is the responsibility of every citizen of the country. Pakistan is ready to resolve all issues including Kashmir with India through dialogue, he added.
