ISLAMABAD: Former prime minister Imran Khan on Friday stressed the urgent need for reforms in Pakistan, which he said was facing severe crises and required surgery. He asserted that only a government with a public mandate can effectively implement these changes and dismissed the possibility of negotiating with the PML-N, predicting the government’s imminent collapse.

Speaking from Rawalpindi’s Adiala Jail during a court hearing on the £190 million case, Mr Khan expressed concern about the country’s reliance on loans to pay off previous debts and criticised the trend of Pakistanis investing abroad, according to a BBC Urdu report.

Mr Khan also highlighted the excessive taxation imposed on various sectors, arguing that it stifles investment.

The former prime minister criticised the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) for centralising control and warned that the true impact of the recent budget would become apparent with the June and July bills. He also criticised the government for imposing heavy taxes on professionals and the general public in the next year’s budget.

Mr Khan also accused Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal of contempt of court for suggesting he should be imprisoned for five years, arguing that such statements undermine the rule of law.

Responding to a question about negotiations with the government, Mr Khan denied that the PTI had agreed to talks, clarifying that they had only suggested Mehmood Khan Achakzai as a potential mediator. He stated that any proposals from Mr Achakzai would be considered.

When asked about potential negotiations with a representative from the establishment, Mr Khan reiterated his willingness to step back if convinced it would benefit the country.

In his remarks to journalists, Mr Khan dismissed the possibility of negotiating with the PML-N, predicting the government’s imminent collapse. He emphasised that the nation looks to the judiciary for resolution.