The statement, in which Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan labelled executed war criminal Abdul Quader Molla as “innocent,” has been widely censured by the Pakistani citizens in the online edition of The Express Tribune, a Pakistani newspaper.
The readers even called Imran Khan an “opportunist” for siding with the historic lie only to remain in good terms with Pakistan’s Jamaat-e-Islami. Some regretted how they had viewed this world-famous cricketer, who enjoys huge popularity in Bangladesh too, as a harbinger of change in Pakistani politics.
“hahahahahaha just want to see the faces of all those who voted for Imran Khan for a change. lol yes he wants to change Pakistan…” wrote a reader using the name TJ.
“Once again bowing down to maulvis. Story of Pakistan’s politicians,” wrote another reader named Shah in his comment drawing as many as 229 likes by yesterday evening.
According to Radio Pakistan, Imran made the assertion while speaking at the National Assembly of Pakistan on Monday. He quoted a lawyer of the international human rights organisation Reprieve who was defending Quader Molla.
The lawyer had told Imran that Quader Molla had nothing to do with the charges brought against him.
Pakistani newspaper The Express Tribune ran a report titled “Resolution passed: Abdul Quader Molla was innocent, Imran Khan claims” quoting the Radio Pakistan.
“Wow, defendant’s lawyer says he is innocent! Who would have believed it?” said a reader named Parrot in his comment that got 202 likes.
Many readers considered passing of the resolution expressing concern over Quader Molla’s execution in the National Assembly as an “act of shame.” There were comments supporting Imran too, but only a few.
“Looks like Pakistan worries about everyone in the world except for the ones who live in Pakistan!” wrote Rafi Ka Deewana who gained 307 likes.
A reader under the name of Unbelievable wrote: “Defending someone convicted of murder and rape just because he was ‘pro Pakistan’ is outright dumb…”
“This guy Imran Khan is Pakistan’s biggest clown. He rants, cajoles and begs on issues that are totally irrelevant to the world, including Pakistan,” reads another comment.
One of the remarks made by one Umar summed it up all in a single line: “PTI is another JI so no surprise that they are as usual on the wrong side of history too.”
