Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan said on Thursday that he “never bowed down to anyone” while countering allegations by the country’s opposition of “begging” abroad in the middle of a financial crunch.

Imran Khan said, “Neither have I bowed down to anyone nor will I let my nation to do so. We are a self-respecting nation. All my struggle is focused to make our country one of the great nations of the world based on the principles set by the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) upon which he founded the state of Madinah,” while addressing a gathering at Islamabad airport when he was returning to Pakistan after his three-day visit to the United States.

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Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari had earlier this week claimed that Imran Khan has caused “embarrassment” to the nation during his first visit to the US.

Bhutto had also tweeted saying, “Pitty even when representing our country abroad Selected PM can’t get of his container” (sic).

“Imran is a ruler, not a leader. Pakistan needs a leader who speaks for all Pakistanis, not just himself. If the government does opposition & opposition does opposition then who’s left to run the country? (sic)” he added.

During his visit to the US, Imran Khan had his first face-to-face interaction with President Donald Trump. He also met Secretary of State Mike Pompeo.

This was Khan’s maiden visit to the US since assuming power following the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s victory in the 2018 general elections.