'My Only Regret Is Trusting General Bajwa': Jailed Former Pakistan PM Imran Khan

Imran Khan, the imprisoned founder of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and former Prime Minister, has expressed his regret over believing in former army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa.

In an interview, Khan talked about his disappointment with Bajwa, accusing him of betrayal and playing a double game against his government. 

Former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan blamed Bajwa for allegedly orchestrating his imprisonment and criticised Pakistan's political and military leadership.

"My only regret is trusting General Bajwa," Imran lamented, accusing him of 'creating lies and false narratives' to secure a second extension as the military head.

Imran's allegations against Bajwa were detailed, suggesting a meticulous plan by the former army chief.

"I am certain that this ordeal was orchestrated by General Bajwa. I hold no one else responsible. He meticulously planned and executed this scheme, presenting himself as a deceitful figure, creating lies and false narratives to cause national and international chaos - all to secure his extension," Imran emphasised, as reported by Dawn.

Khan, who was removed from power in April 2022 after losing a no-confidence vote, said his biggest mistake was extending Bajwa's tenure as Army chief in 2019.

He said that Bajwa, who led the Pakistan Army from November 2016 to November 2022, secretly collaborated with opposition leaders, including PML-N chief Nawaz Sharif, to undermine his administration,

According to Ary news, Khan had earlier emphasised that despite Bajwa's conduct, he refrained from taking harsh measures like removing him to avoid direct conflict with the military during an informal conversation in Adiala Jail, where Khan is now being held.

Considering that he had been fooled into thinking their interests aligned, particularly about national stability and administration, he called Bajwa's actions a grave betrayal.

In an interview with Al Jazeera in Apr 2023 , Khan had accused general Bajwa of deviating from the agreed foreign policies, particularly criticising his stance on international matters such as the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

Khan alleged that Bajwa made independent foreign policy decisions that went against the consensus-driven approach adopted by his government, further straining their relationship.