Former Pakistan president Pervez Musharraf welcomed the mandate of the country’s general elections mandate in favour of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan.
In an interview to News18, Musharraf said that Khan was not “anti-India”, calling it a “perception” by the Indian media.
I’m very happy. Imran Khan has some problem areas, but he is a very honest man, wants to do good and has some good qualities too.Pervez Musharraf to News18
“Imran Is Not Anti-India”: Musharraf
“Initially, I had to give a message to Nawaz Sharif, but tomorrow I will send a message to Narendra Modi too. I will show Nawaz Sharif how to respond to Modi,” Imran Khan had said after India carried out surgical strikes on Pakistan in September 2016.
The star cricketer-turned-politician, who has managed to sweep the Pakistan elections and now looks poised to take over as prime minister, has been consistently vocal about his stance on India.
Speaking about Khan’s attitude towards India, Musharraf said that the former cricketer was not “anti-India”, and called it a “perception” by the Indian media.
Imran Khan is hawkish. Nawaz Sharif used to appease India. Imran Khan’s reaction is only because of India. Pakistan doesn’t progress because of India. It’s not Pakistan’s fault that there is slow movement on peaceful bilateral talks.Pervez Musharraf to News18
“Imran Must Learn Governance”
Musharraf asserted that while Khan knew his strategic path, it was time for him to learn governance.
Imran Khan still lacks knowledge of governance. He will have to learn about that. He has to still learn the modalities. How to do things, and in what way to do things.Pervez Musharraf to News18
The former president rejected claims that the country’s second democratic transfer of power was rigged, saying it was Pakistan’s habit. He said that it was the habit of anyone who loses elections in the country to say that the polls were rigged.
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