Won’t strike deal with Opposition even if my government falls, says Imran Khan

Beleagured Pak PM faces no trust vote in parliament today over economic crisis

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan said on Sunday that he would not reach a deal with the Opposition leaders who have moved a no-confidence vote against him in Parliament even if his government collapsed.

Addressing a huge crowd of supporters of the ruling Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) at Islamabad’s Parade Ground, Mr. Khan, who is facing the biggest political crisis of his tenure as several party legislators have also turned against him, said that he would continue his fight against “white collar corruption”.

“This is not Pakistan’s misfortune. This is the misfortune of all developing nations. Developing nations go weak because they do not catch white collar crime and give them NRO (National Reconciliation Ordinance,” said Mr. Imran.

“All this drama is being done to have Imran Khan surrender like Musharraf. They are trying to blackmail the government. General Musharraf tried to save his government and gave these thieves NRO and it resulted in the destruction of Pakistan," said Mr. Khan, according to the newspaper Dawn . "Come what may, I will not forgive them even if my government goes or even if I lose my life," he added.

Pakistan has been on the edge since Opposition parties on March 8 submitted the no-confidence motion before the National Assembly Secretariat, alleging that the PTI government was responsible for the economic crisis and the spiralling inflation in the country.

Thousands of supporters of the Prime Minister came in trains, public vehicles and private cars to attend the “historic” rally of the ruling party.

“The public meeting will be the largest in the history of the country and have a great impact,” Education Minister Shafqat Mahmood told reporters on Saturday, ahead of the gathering.