Ishaq Dar says Imran Khan used to visit him for ‘donations’ before entering politics

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar revealed that he and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan shared a cordial friendship before Khan’s entry into politics, and that Khan used to visit him regularly seeking donations for his cancer hospital.

In an interview with the Atlantic Council during his visit to the United States to promote stronger business ties with Washington, Dar clarified the government's position regarding the events of May 9, following Imran Khan’s arrest from the premises of the Islamabad High Court.

“The current government hasn’t taken any action against PTI founder Imran Khan,” Dar stated, denying allegations of political victimisation. He maintained that all legal actions and judicial proceedings were carried out in accordance with the law.

Dar criticised the violent protests that erupted on May 9, saying, “If you are a popular political leader, it doesn’t give you a license to pick up arms, provoke the public, or attack the country’s security installations. This is treason.”

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Dar stated that the cases against Imran Khan were not initiated by the government, but rather the judiciary is following the course of law.

“I’m not a judge, I can’t do anything in that capacity," he emphasised, "We hardly have the right to interfere in the judicial system in any democratic country.” 

He also addressed the impression of politically motivated cases against PTI leaders, stating firmly that the judicial process is independent and not influenced by the government.

Reflecting on his past relationship with Khan, Dar said, “Before he entered politics, Imran Khan used to regularly visit me to seek donations for his hospital. We were friends and foes," sometimes even rivals, but "we knew each other well”.

Dar concluded by expressing disappointment over Khan’s actions during the May 9 unrest. “He should not have provoked the public or mobilised his party in that way. What he did was most unfortunate.”