PTI Claims April 2022 Government Was Ousted Through International Conspiracy, Says Salman Akram Raja

Islamabad — Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Salman Akram Raja has reiterated claims that the PTI-led government was removed in April 2022 through what he described as an “international conspiracy,” stating that the recent “dropsite” revelations regarding the cipher have vindicated the party’s stance.

Addressing a press conference alongside PTI leaders Asad Qaiser and Taimur Saleem Jhagra, Raja said the country is currently facing a deeply serious situation and that national problems are continuously increasing.

He stated that the party’s struggle continues for the release of PTI founder Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi, adding that despite court orders allowing meetings twice a week, the directives of the Islamabad High Court were not being implemented.

Raja further said the PTI had approached both the High Court and the Supreme Court regarding non-compliance with judicial orders, but claimed that their concerns were not being heard. He added that the party would continue to remind courts daily about what he termed “injustice.”

Referring to Imran Khan’s detention, he said the PTI founder was being held in solitary confinement and was not being allowed to meet anyone. He also claimed that Imran Khan’s health condition, including an eye issue, had been reported during a meeting with his lawyer.

Reiterating his political stance, Raja said that in April 2022 the PTI government was removed through a coordinated move and that “a directive came from somewhere” to change the government. He said recent disclosures from Dropsite regarding the cipher had proven PTI’s position correct.

He further alleged that the current government intended to deprive citizens of their voting rights and criticized proposed changes related to voting age, claiming that instead of lowering the voting age as seen globally, it was being increased due to fear of the electorate.

Raja also said Pakistan was still facing challenges despite being an independent state since 1947, alleging that PTI lawyers were being forcibly disappeared and their whereabouts were unknown.

He warned that if courts and parliament were not functioning properly, decisions would ultimately be taken on the streets. He also expressed concern over the country’s economic situation, rising fuel prices, and financial pressures on provinces, claiming that changes to the NFC Award were reducing provincial share and autonomy.