The government will complete its full term, Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan said, as rumors of the military’s backroom deal with opposition parties gain traction. He expressed confidence that he had been facing "no threat from corruption-tainted” opposition parties.

His remark came during an interview with a local media, where he spoke about a range of issues, including his government ties with the military. The government is under pressure, both from the struggling economy and the emboldened opposition. And, speculation of a potential deal between the military and some opposition leaders, has added to the government’s existing challenges. 

On his ties with the military, he said he enjoyed "exemplary relations" with the military leadership. However, when asked if he would consider giving another extension to Pakistan Army Chief, General Qamar Javad Bajwa, he replied he hadn’t thought about it yet. 

On his government's failures, he admitted that the biggest failure was “the lack of accountability”. He pointed out that when the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) would take corruption cases to the courts, then the matters were left with the courts. He added despite all the evidence, people were roaming free.

Ever since he came to power, Khan’s government relentlessly pursued corruption cases against top opposition leaders, Shahbaz Sharif, Maryam Nawaz, and former president Asif Ali Zardari. However, many critics call it political vendetta as the prime minister hadn’t shown such urgency when such allegations come against the leaders and business people considered close to him. 

On skyrocketing inflation, he acknowledged that the government needed to control it. The admission came at a time when opposition parties are preparing to launch nationwide "Mahngai March" (inflation march) next month. 

On his government ties with the US, he said there was some pressure from the United States and cited the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Importantly, US President Joe Biden is yet to have even a phone conversation with Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan. Following the Taliban’s return to Kabul, the US has limited the scope of its bilateral ties with Islamabad. 
(SAM)