Rawalpindi: Former Prime Minister and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan has reiterated his resolve to resist oppression, declaring from Adiala Jail that he is aware of those "playing on both sides of the wicket." Speaking to lawyers and journalists, Khan said, “I can spend my entire life in jail, but I will never bow to tyranny.”
In a statement released on his official X (formerly Twitter) account, Khan urged his party members, supporters, and workers to prepare for a nationwide movement. “This time, I will not just call for Islamabad, but for all of Pakistan,” he stated. Emphasizing ideological commitment over electability, he added, “None of you are ‘electables’ — you have all won on the basis of ideology.”
Khan highlighted the rule of law as the core objective of his movement, asserting, “We will end this jungle law. When all doors are closed on a political party, when they are subjected to injustice and the judiciary is not independent, then peaceful protest becomes the only path forward.”
He also reaffirmed his intent to hold intra-party elections, stating, “Anyone who does not follow party directives has no place in PTI. I will hold party elections at the first opportunity, so that workers can rise to leadership.”
Referring to the events of May 9, Khan downplayed the allegations, calling it a “half-hour case.” He challenged authorities to release CCTV footage, claiming that those who stole the recordings are the real culprits. “If they believe PTI was responsible, then make the CCTV footage public. It’s Shehbaz Sharif who should undergo a polygraph test to clarify whether he came through Form 45 or 47,” he said, referencing electoral result forms.
Khan also criticized the conditions of his imprisonment, saying, “I am a former Prime Minister and entitled to a separate category in jail, yet I am not even given the facilities provided to common prisoners. I am denied contact with my children, and my sisters are not allowed to meet me.”
Condemning the current state of the judiciary, he added, “Since the 26th Constitutional Amendment, the judiciary has become paralyzed and ineffective. Despite repeated promises, the Chief Justice of Islamabad High Court is not listing our cases. By endorsing military trials, the Supreme Court has shown a lack of confidence in its own judicial system.”
Khan’s statements come amid continued political turbulence and increasing crackdowns on PTI leaders and activists following the May 9 riots, which the government blames on the party.
