[PICTURES/VIDEOS] Imran Khan a mosaic in Pakistan's political history

Uzma Bukhari condemns Imran Khan's conditional apology, calls him 'mastermind of May 9 uprising'

Punjab Information Minister Uzma Bukhari has criticised former Prime Minister Imran Khan over his offer of a conditional apology, and labelled him as the 'mastermind behind the failed May 9 insurrection.'

In a statement made on tThursday, Uzma revealed that for a year, people had been systematically brainwashed and incited.

She explained that on the day of Imran Khan's arrest, his key associates caused alarm among supporters by claiming that their leader's life was in danger. It prompted people to take to the streets, she added.

The Punjab information minister further explained that prior to May 9, Imran Khan had himself warned that if he was arrested again, his supporters would react similarly. International media had also reported that PTI members attacked military installations, she further said.

Uzma stated that the 'mastermind of the May 9 insurrection is now shamelessly asking for a conditional apology.'

"On one hand, he burns the house of Pakistan's founder, and on the other, he shamelessly seeks a conditional apology."

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, who belongs to the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) that also rules in the centre,recently stated that there can be no apology for an act of terrorism.

The CM further said that an apology is for a mistake, while a crime warrants punishment.

"Attacking one's own country is terrorism, not a mistake."

EXPRESS TRIBUNE
 
IK should just go ahead and apologize. His main aim should be to be back out and lead the opposition. He needs to know when to tactically retreat for the long term.

There is only limited leverage you have.
 
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Imran Khan's New message for his supporters via X:

Former Prime Minister Imran Khan's Message from Jail

Date: August 8, 2024

1. On May 7, 2024 the DG ISPR stated in his press conference that they would not forgive us for the events that unfolded on May 9, 2023.I want to make this absolutely clear; our stance is unequivocal - forgiveness is sought by the oppressor, not the oppressed. On May 9, I was abducted by hundreds of paramilitary personnel that stormed the Islamabad High Court. My abduction was declared unconstitutional and illegal by the Supreme Court of Pakistan. In the protests that followed, dozens of our workers were martyred, and subsequently hundreds abducted, and thousands arrested. The sanctity of homes was violated, and businesses destroyed merely because of political affiliation. And therefore, it is they who should apologize to me and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI).

2. My statement has been deliberately aired out of context. My position has remained the same as it was before: May 9 was a false flag operation, and hence the CCTV footage has been concealed to hide the crime. My demand remains that the CCTV footage should be made public, and based on this, an investigation should be carried out transparently. Dr. Yasmin Rashid, who was outside the CC House on May 9 as a representative of PTI can be seen in several videos instructing the workers to remain peaceful. This proves that no leader of our party was involved in vandalism and arson on May 9. I have always instructed my party and workers to protest peacefully wherever they may be in Pakistan. Our Constitution gives us the right to hold peaceful protests anywhere, including inside Cantts or GHQ. If transparent investigations reveal that any PTI-affiliated leader was involved in acts of arson and vandalism, they shall be treated in accordance with the law.

3. I’m predicting that this government will not last more than 2 months, and therefore, the names of Nawaz Sharif, Shehbaz Sharif, and Asif Ali Zardari should be placed on the Exit Control List (ECL) so they cannot escape [yet again].Whether they keep me in prison or file even more bogus cases on me, I will not back down or make a deal with these crooks; deals are made by those who have committed a crime. My money isn’t stashed abroad, nor I have any property overseas. I have fought all the cases against me, and will continue to do so if needed. The sole purpose of filing cases against me and my wife was to tear PTI apart.

4. The desire for negotiations should not be interpreted as a sign of weakness. For me, my country Pakistan comes first, and for its political and economic interests, I will do whatever I can to reduce tensions. Negotiations will be conditional and will only take place with the real decision-makers. The crooks in the government are ready to raze the country to the ground, as long as it prolongs their reign of power. These opportunists are provoking the army to dismantle PTI. However, is it possible to eliminate a party that represents 90% of the population? Anyone who has such a dream should learn from history.

5. Just as Western courts have given Israel an open permission to commit a genocide of Palestinians, Qazi Faez Isa has fully collaborated with the state in perpetrating oppression against us and has fully aided this tyranny and fascism. It is on the basis of this bias and lack of justice that we have long requested Qazi Faez Isa's recusal from my cases. The way Qazi Faez Isa facilitated the PDM and the Election Commission by revoking our electoral symbol in the February 8 elections is known to all.

6. The way Bengali people, through their united and determined struggle for their rights and the preservation of democracy, freed themselves from the oppressive system in place, is commendable. Throughout the protest, the way the Bengali Chief of Army Staff handled the situation while remaining apolitical should be commended. The army, as a professional institution, and its Chief must remain "apolitical" in such situations.

7. The army is a national institution. We need to protect its reputation, but the military leadership itself should foremost be concerned about its reputation. Self-accountability is critical. From Musharraf's time, we have been told that Sharifs and Zardaris are thieves. And when the entire nation believed and understood how they’ve plundered the country, Musharraf gave them an NRO, and then you decided to give them an NRO 2. Since then; these crooks bent the law to their liking. Despite the worst electoral defeat, they’ve been imposed into power after blatant electoral theft. The military has continued to support a group of thieves that prioritize its personal interest; they have no concern for the public or the country. So, when ‘you’ support such people whom the public rejected on February 8, what impression do you think will be formed among the people? You should be mindful of your image among the public.
 
You guys have stolen and destroyed. You have stolen our country- every single institution from the SC to whatever you care to name has been destroyed by the criminal establishment that want to act as God. Because you have destroyed every institution you have then looted with your puppets with both hands and destroyed the future of 250mn

You have exposed your ignorance on everything you have spoken on. Let me list them as reminder.
-You claimed Bajwa overthrow IK over Kashmir. Total rubbish
-You claimed you didn't know about Inds murdering people in PK- blatant lie exposed at the time and I posted a link

-You claimed you didn't know what the cypher was- blatant lie

-You claimed you didn't IK won the elections with a 2/3rd majority- blatant lie

-You claimed IK was responsible for the 9th May- blatant lie exposed in LHC last week And exposed
You want a man who has lived his life in dreadful sin to lead us shows your own lack of class as a person. You know what I like most is when people remind u-turn Khan of his past to humiliate him then his face turns all red.

I don't know who you mean by "you guys" when I am in favour of a Presidential system. I want Zardari and Sharif's to all rot in prison for their crimes. Let me hear you say the same about him! I said I don't care if IK got more votes when his cowardice was exposed after article 370 was removed. When he invited terrorists that the fauj had eliminated back to Pak. He lied on so many things then doing a u turn every time and is now begging the establishment to talk to him. You play this "you guys" comment because you can't defend IK where as I attack every Pak politician.

Yes, he was responsible for May 9 in the sense that he provoked the people so much with his anti military speeches. I don't care about cypher this man is a menace to the country.
 
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Can someone from Pakistan please give a status update on Imran Khan. Do people still want him back as PM despite the cases of corruption and him being a disastrous PM previously.
 
Can someone from Pakistan please give a status update on Imran Khan. Do people still want him back as PM despite the cases of corruption and him being a disastrous PM previously.
Really? His party won 80% of the vote despite him in prison on trumped up charges which last about a day in court.
 
Really? His party won 80% of the vote despite him in prison on trumped up charges which last about a day in court.

No offense but i would want updates from more Pakistani posters
 
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No offense but i would want updates from more Pakistani posters because your reputation is questionable on these topics.
None taken. Afterall all, honorary White nationalist Hindutuva are desperate to hear that PK has turned against the legend. Unlike Modi IK did win a 2/3rd majority 🤣🤣🤣
 
Can someone from Pakistan please give a status update on Imran Khan. Do people still want him back as PM despite the cases of corruption and him being a disastrous PM previously.

I don’t doubt your cricketing knowledge but i wouldn’t consider your comments in this regard and hence requested for feedback from neutral allegededly
 
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I don’t doubt your cricketing knowledge but i wouldn’t consider your comments in this regard and hence requested for feedback from neutral allegededly
I am a proud supporter. But it's not only me, there is the small matter of 80-90% of us.
 
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Your leaders glorification of Taliban terrorists

The taliban are terrorists but I’m sure back when the Afghan Taliban came back into power, you said that they’ll be better for Pakistan than the president of Afghanistan (which may or may not be true) but if you consider the TTP terrorists, then wouldn’t you consider the Afghan Taliban as terrorists? And if you do, then you’re saying they’re better of than Ghani?
 
The taliban are terrorists but I’m sure back when the Afghan Taliban came back into power, you said that they’ll be better for Pakistan than the president of Afghanistan (which may or may not be true) but if you consider the TTP terrorists, then wouldn’t you consider the Afghan Taliban as terrorists? And if you do, then you’re saying they’re better of than Ghani?
I am talking of the Pak Taliban that IK was supporting. If the Afghan Taliban do not take action against them then our fauj has to enter next door to kill them. After killing our people they go and hide in Afghanistan that is the problem. I am saying that Afghan Taliban can do anything they want in their country as long as it does not harm Pak.
 
I am talking of the Pak Taliban that IK was supporting. If the Afghan Taliban do not take action against them then our fauj has to enter next door to kill them. After killing our people they go and hide in Afghanistan that is the problem. I am saying that Afghan Taliban can do anything they want in their country as long as it does not harm Pak.

Yes, I know you’re talking about TTP, I’m just saying, you can’t be calling someone Taliban Khan whilst supporting the establishment who have been openly supporting the Afghan Taliban to take back control of Afghanistan.
 
What is IK's endgame here, he's not playing this smartly to get out of jail and restart his political career. Either he is too egoistic to do a tactical retreat or he's banking on a mass Bangladesh like revolt which puts him back in charge.

Because as long as the establishment is pulling the strings, they wont let him out . Democratically elections are years away so people dont get a chance to express their discontent.

If there is a long march or Bangladesh like unrest, that could upend the political calculus.
 
What is IK's endgame here, he's not playing this smartly to get out of jail and restart his political career. Either he is too egoistic to do a tactical retreat or he's banking on a mass Bangladesh like revolt which puts him back in charge.

Because as long as the establishment is pulling the strings, they wont let him out . Democratically elections are years away so people dont get a chance to express their discontent.

If there is a long march or Bangladesh like unrest, that could upend the political calculus.
IK plays a game that is on whole different level to criminals. They want him to beg and he told them to get lost. When you beg and ask for deals you become AZ and NS, and that takes your dignity and makes you into a Eunach. And that's why he has 80% of PKs support him and they have around 5% each.
 
IK plays a game that is on whole different level to criminals. They want him to beg and he told them to get lost. When you beg and ask for deals you become AZ and NS, and that takes your dignity and makes you into a Eunach. And that's why he has 80% of PKs support him and they have around 5% each.

I doubt 80% but he did have significant support in the last elections.

I still dont get what his pathway back to power is. Is PTI organizing any protests or marches in support of IK. Anything to mobilize public opinion. Right now there's nothing to put pressure on the establishment. You can suppress small protests , there's no way to suppress 10-15K people protests without a massacre.
 
Mosaic or whatever, IK is better than all other politicians in the country, the current PM SS a stooge , money launderer has whole life embedded in corruption and nepotism, his party leader the big brother NS another leader convicted for assets beyond means already a 3 time PM , yet the country failed to take off. He is also famous for kickbacks and having front man's.

The current Pres. AZ globally known as Mr.10% his corruption stories are casting shadows from US to Switzerland, not to mention the massive loot and plunder which has happened in Sindh since 2008.

The current CM Punjab , a fascist psycho egoistic who has stolen items from ToshaKhana and should be last person to question the character of any human being.

Then there is Bilawal the product of corruption well who takes him seriously he is a nobody
 
I doubt 80% but he did have significant support in the last elections.

I still dont get what his pathway back to power is. Is PTI organizing any protests or marches in support of IK. Anything to mobilize public opinion. Right now there's nothing to put pressure on the establishment. You can suppress small protests , there's no way to suppress 10-15K people protests without a massacre.
You can doubt it as much as you like. It makes no difference. NS lost by 70,000 to an old lady in prison and suffering from cancer sufferer that never even campaigned. If that isn't a humiliation,then what is?
 
I doubt 80% but he did have significant support in the last elections.

I still dont get what his pathway back to power is. Is PTI organizing any protests or marches in support of IK. Anything to mobilize public opinion. Right now there's nothing to put pressure on the establishment. You can suppress small protests , there's no way to suppress 10-15K people protests without a massacre.

There’s two ways getting back into power in a country like Pakistan.

1. Pretend you’re dying, get a flight to London to seek medical treatment, and wait until the next COAS comes in. Basically, do what Nawaz Sharif did.

2. Do an el chapo, dig yourself out of the prison. Flee to an unknown location in KP. Call your people for a civil war.

IK is hoping the justice system will prevail, he thinks he can win all his cases (which he has) and he’ll be released. As if the establishment abide by the law.

Pakistani’s in general cannot do anything unless establishment commits blasphemy.
 
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There’s two ways getting back into power in a country like Pakistan.

1. Pretend you’re dying, get a flight to London to seek medical treatment, and wait until the next COAS comes in. Basically, do what Nawaz Sharif did.

2. Do an el chapo, dig yourself out of the prison. Flee to an unknown location in KP. Call your people for a civil war.

IK is hoping the justice system will prevail, he thinks he can win all his cases (which he has) and he’ll be released. As if the establishment abide by the law.

Pakistani’s in general cannot do anything unless establishment commits blasphemy.
They'll just keep filing more cases. Ultimately the boots have the power if there is no civilian structure to prevent them from misusing it.

Their only weakness is they cannot violently put down mass protests without getting a lot of blowback
 
The establishment has clearly told pti and the Pakistani people, do what you want, ultimately we have the men with guns,
 
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Adiala Jail's ex-deputy superintendent 'nabbed for facilitating Imran Khan'​


Adiala Jail's former deputy superintendent Muhammad Akram has been taken into custody on charges of facilitating incarcerated Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan, sources told Geo News on Wednesday.

Akram was removed from his post on June 20, while Deputy Superintendent Judicial Tahir Siddique Shah replaced him as security supervisor of PTI founder Imran Khan.

 

Adiala Jail's ex-deputy superintendent 'nabbed for facilitating Imran Khan'​


Adiala Jail's former deputy superintendent Muhammad Akram has been taken into custody on charges of facilitating incarcerated Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan, sources told Geo News on Wednesday.

Akram was removed from his post on June 20, while Deputy Superintendent Judicial Tahir Siddique Shah replaced him as security supervisor of PTI founder Imran Khan.

What evil crime did he commit?
 

Lol, the handlers have gone made​

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Former Adiala Jail officials probed for alleged facilitation of Imran Khan​


Intelligence agencies have launched an investigation into two former Adiala Jail officials over allegations of facilitating the incarecerated founder of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), Imran Khan, according to sources.

Express News reported that former Deputy Superintendent Muhammad Akram and Assistant Superintendent Bilal were questioned by intelligence personnel in Rawalpindi regarding their alleged involvement in providing special assistance to the PTI founder.

Both officials were removed from their positions on June 21 upon the recommendation of the intelligence agencies. Sources indicate that the officers were accused of having special access to Imran Khan’s cell and providing him with undisclosed facilitation.

The investigation into the facilitation of the PTI founder has reportedly been expanded by intelligence agencies, with the scope of questioning widened to uncover further details.

Last month, Imran Khan criticised the alleged interference of the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) in civilian affairs.

During an informal media talk inside Adiala Jail, the incarcerated former prime minister said, "We have filed a petition in court questioning the presence of ISI majors and colonels in Adiala Jail."

He added, "The ISI has no authority in civil matters or judicial affairs. The prison superintendent is following ISI orders, leading to the transfer of two officers to ensure no leniency is shown to me."

Source: The Express Tribune
 

Ex-Adiala Jail Deputy Superintendent released after arrest over alleged facilitation of IK​


Former Deputy Superintendent of Adiala Jail, Zafar Iqbal, who was recently taken into custody for allegedly facilitating PTI founder Imran Khan, has been released.

Sources indicate that Iqbal was detained for questioning and returned to his residence near Adiala Jail last night. Upon his return, he was visited by the family of Assistant Superintendent Nazim Shah, who remains missing.

Additionally, two more officers from Adiala Jail were interrogated in connection with the alleged facilitation of Imran Khan in prison. These officers included former Deputy Superintendent Zafar Iqbal and Assistant Nazim, both residing near former Deputy Superintendent Muhammad Akram.

 

Ex-Adiala Jail Deputy Superintendent released after arrest over alleged facilitation of IK​


Former Deputy Superintendent of Adiala Jail, Zafar Iqbal, who was recently taken into custody for allegedly facilitating PTI founder Imran Khan, has been released.

Sources indicate that Iqbal was detained for questioning and returned to his residence near Adiala Jail last night. Upon his return, he was visited by the family of Assistant Superintendent Nazim Shah, who remains missing.

Additionally, two more officers from Adiala Jail were interrogated in connection with the alleged facilitation of Imran Khan in prison. These officers included former Deputy Superintendent Zafar Iqbal and Assistant Nazim, both residing near former Deputy Superintendent Muhammad Akram.

What did he exactly do that facilitated IK? IK is the leader of a country if 250mn, he hasn't got a gun and has broken any laws, so what did he do to help IK?
 

Imran Khan files for Oxford chancellorship while battling legal challenges​


Former Prime Minister Imran Khan has filed nomination papers to contest for the chancellorship of Oxford University, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) announced on Sunday.

"As per Imran Khan’s instructions, his application form to Oxford University Chancellor Election 2024 has been submitted. We look forward to everyone’s support for a historic campaign," PTI leader Zulfikar Bukhari said in a post on X.

Previously, the former cricket star served as the chancellor of the University of Bradford from 2005 to 2014.

Khan, an alumnus of Oxford University, is currently languishing in a jail in the garrison city of Rawalpindi, seeking bail in multiple cases, which range from corruption to inciting violence.

Khan denies the allegations.

His two convictions have been set aside, while a third has been suspended by courts.

Khan, 72, was ousted through a no-trust vote in April 2022, over a year before the completion of his five-year stint.

 
Khawaja Asif hints at Imran Khan's 'open trial' in military court

Responding to incarcerated Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder's demand for an "open trial" of ex-spymaster Faiz Hamid, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif said on Wednesday that Imran Khan's trial will be open if it is held in a military court in connection with May 9 riots.

The defence minister's statement came hours after the former premier called for an open trial of former Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) chief Lieutenant General (retd) Faiz Hamid who was taken into custody by the military over alleged abuse of power and the Army Act violation earlier this month.

"We don't have any precedent that any general’s military trial held in an open court in the country's history," said Asif while speaking on Geo News programme Aaj Shahzeb Khanzada Kay Saath.

"If the PTI founder faces any trial in a military court, then I can assure you that it would be open to the public and media because he is a civilian."

He further clarified that it is the military's tradition not to conduct open trials of its employees and officers.

Accusing the former ruling party of working in collusion with the detained former spy chief, Asif said that the last year's May 9 violent protests triggered by Khan's arrest and saw attacks on state properties including military installations were pre-planned.

He further alleged that the PTI founder provided the manpower for the May 9 riots while the former top spy "masterminded the conspiracy".

When questioned about the deposed prime minister's statements denying any connections with the former ISI chief, the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader claimed that not only Khan, PTI's second-tier leadership had openly admitted to being in contact with Gen (retd) Faiz even after May 9, 2023, riots.

During an informal interaction with journalists in Rawalpindi's Adiala Jail earlier today, the former prime minister, who was removed from office via a parliamentary vote in 2022, said the open trial of ex-ISI chief would benefit the country and allow it to prosper.

Responding to Khan’s statement, Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar termed the ex-prime minister’s statement an intervention in the army’s affairs.

Taking a swipe at the former PM, the information said the PTI founder was continuously trying to make the matter related to the army’s internal accountability process “controversial” through his statements.

Following the former spymaster's arrest, the ex-premier had distanced himself from the retired general, who served as DG ISI during his tenure, claiming that he has no connection with him.

"If the military wants the accountability of General Faiz [then] it should proceed and do it," Khan said, asserting that it is the army's internal matter.

The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) had announced the arrest of the former ISI chief on August 12, saying that he was "taken into custody" over allegations of land grabbing and snatching valuables from the owner of a private housing society.

"Complying with the orders of the Supreme Court of Pakistan, a detailed court of inquiry was undertaken by the Pakistan Army to ascertain the correctness of complaints in the Top City Case made against Lt Gen (retd) Faiz Hamid," the army's media wing said.

The process of court martial has been initiated against the former chief of the country's premier spy agency over complaints in the Top City Case, it added.

Three more retired officers were taken into military custody after Hamid’s arrest in connection with the same housing scheme case.

Sources told Geo News that two of the officers in the military custody were of brigadier rank and one was of colonel rank.

The two retired brigadiers were identified as Ghaffar and Naeem while the retired colonel’s name is Asim, they said, adding that they worked as messengers between a political party and the ex-spymaster.


GEO TV
 
They said You can't name the army chief in crimes committed but IK has named Munir and Bajwa very openly. Both have broken their oath, and along with Qazi easy Paisa, they have imposed a bunch of incompetent crooks that have turned every institution into a pathetic parody.
 
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Imran Khan cites message of 'potential chaos' as reason for postponing Islamabad rally​


Founding chairman of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Imran Khan, has clarified that he had not held discussions with the government regarding the Islamabad rally, and maintained that while in jail he was informed that holding the rally could "lead to nationwide chaos," which ultimately prompted his decision to cancel it.

Yesterday, the PTI announced the postponement of its planned rally in Islamabad’s Tarnol Chowk until September 8.

In an informal conversation with journalists at Adiala Jail on Friday, the former PM explained that the rally, initially planned around the Khatm-e-Nubuwwat issue, was postponed after he was advised that it could escalate tensions.

He stated, "I was told that the Khatm-e-Nubuwwat is a sensitive matter, with religious groups already protesting in Islamabad".

He explained that "fearing unrest," the party decided to call off the rally.

"If we had proceeded with the event, there was a risk of a repeat of the May 9 events, and the previous judicial inquiry into 9 May hasn't been conducted yet."

Imran issued a stern warning, stating, "If you grant permission and then attempt to stop the rally, the government will be fully responsible".

"This time, it's a matter of the judiciary's credibility—whether the court grants us permission or the administration cancels it".

Imran stated that he had directed the party not to tolerate any obstacles on 8 September.

He mentioned that the Islamabad rally had been postponed for the last time. He added that the party leadership had been instructed to meet before September 8 to decide when to protest if the Supreme Court's decision was not implemented.

PTI founder also warned that if anyone tried to stop them, "this time, they would not back down".

When asked about the trial of General (Retd) Faiz, and the response from the other side questioning who Imran Khan is to demand an open trial, Khan responded, "I am the head of the country's largest party, and I'm calling for an open trial. You are making a grave accusation that Faiz and I conspired on 9 May".

"I started my party from scratch and have struggled within the constitution for 28 years. If Faiz was involved on May 9, then conduct an open trial.

"This is not a military or secret international issue."

Imran Khan demanded an open trial of former Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) chief Lt-Gen (retd) Faiz Hameed who was taken into custody by the military on charges of abuse of power and violating the Army Act.

"I demand that the army chief conduct the trial of General Faiz in an open court," the former prime minister said during an informal interaction with journalists in Rawalpindi's Adiala Jail where he has been incarcerated for over a year in different cases ranging from corruption to terrorism.

Imran also referenced the Hamoodur Rahman Commission Report, saying, "If the report had been implemented, we would have had democracy today. An open trial would benefit the country as much as implementing the Hamoodur Rahman Report would have".

"If the report had been enforced, we wouldn't have had three martial laws, nor would we be under an undeclared martial law today".

The former premier alleged that the events of May 9 were "an attack on democracy."

"I am demanding a commission so that such mistakes are not repeated."

When questioned about Senator Azam Swati, Khan smiled and declined to comment.

Yesterday, Aleema Khan questioned why Azam Swati, a PTI leader, visited Imran Khan early in the morning and who instructed him to deliver the message about the rally postponement.

She expressed scepticism about the feasibility of such a meeting at 7:30 AM at Adiala Jail and alleged that the decision to cancel the rally was made under pressure from the establishment.

When questioned about an audio clip of his sister claiming that Imran had not ordered the rally's cancellation, but party leaders were using his name to justify the decision, Khan acknowledged, "The entire party is upset and angry about the rally being cancelled".

"I, too, believe that the rally should not have been postponed; it should have taken place".

He then retired that it was only postponed to "avoid chaos".

"However, from now on, regardless of the situation, we will hold rallies in every district," he added.

Khan denied any communication with the federal government regarding the rally when asked if he was warned about potential unrest by government officials.

"I have had no talks with any Form 47 government. Whenever they suspect PTI has communicated with the establishment, they immediately recall May 9," he clarified.

The former PM then made an allegation regarding PML-N supremo, "Nawaz Sharif is ready to return to London".

"Nawaz Sharif's backpack is ready; he just needs to pick up his essentials. All this is happening to secure an extension for Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa".

Imran Khan suggested that two strategies were at play: if they couldn't extend Isa's term, they would try to influence seniority to bring in their own person.

He indicated that neither scenario was acceptable, and warned that if such attempts were made, there would be widespread protests across the country.

Khan hinted at recent developments, noting, "Whenever you see turmoil in the PML-N, understand that they fear PTI has communicated with the establishment".

He concluded by emphasising the judiciary's role, saying, "Now it’s about the judiciary's reputation—whether the court grants us permission for the rally while the administration cancels the NOC".

"PTI is the only party being denied permission to hold a rally in Islamabad."

 
Yes, I know you’re talking about TTP, I’m just saying, you can’t be calling someone Taliban Khan whilst supporting the establishment who have been openly supporting the Afghan Taliban to take back control of Afghanistan.
He is Taliban Khan because he supports the Taliban and their medieval ideology. Our military is not supporting the ideology of the Taliban rather are insisting that they stop all the terrorism from their coming in to Pak. It was Taliban Khan who resettled his terrorist brothers in KPK after our military had the cleared the area.
 
IK will eventually be forced to leave Pak or burn in prison forever. The only way he can become is firstly apologize to the establishment followed by reconsidering his pro India policies.
 
IK will eventually be forced to leave Pak or burn in prison forever. The only way he can become is firstly apologize to the establishment followed by reconsidering his pro India policies.
How is he pro-india? Does he have any business in India that is pro-india???
 
How is he pro-india? Does he have any business in India that is pro-india???
Surprised you asked this?
He's Taliban khan, Israel Khan, Indian Khan and incompetent... all rolled into one
 
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He is Taliban Khan because he supports the Taliban and their medieval ideology. Our military is not supporting the ideology of the Taliban rather are insisting that they stop all the terrorism from their coming in to Pak. It was Taliban Khan who resettled his terrorist brothers in KPK after our military had the cleared the area.
What a terrible post.
 
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What a terrible post.
I care about the soldiers and the people where as you do about a self loving womanizer that has been repeatedly exposed for his hypocrisy and support of terrorists. People like you should be sent to defenseless countries like Afghanistan and Palestine. Only then would you appreciate our soldiers.
 
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How is he pro-india? Does he have any business in India that is pro-india???
He preaches love to India when they are always threatening us. He released Abhinandan when we should have imprisoned him in Pak for years. He did nothing when India revoked article 370 because he is an Indian stooge at heart.
 
He is Taliban Khan because he supports the Taliban and their medieval ideology. Our military is not supporting the ideology of the Taliban rather are insisting that they stop all the terrorism from their coming in to Pak. It was Taliban Khan who resettled his terrorist brothers in KPK after our military had the cleared the area.

Ah, Imran Khan an admirer of Sufism follows the ideology of the Taliban. 👍🏼

Imran Khan wasn’t the one that kept Bin Laden in Abbottabad. The Pakistani establishment is known to fund terror organisations, but you don’t have a problem with that because they “keep you safe”.

The only thing the establishment can clear is the corruption cases on politicians ahead of elections.
 
Aleema to launch campaign to free Imran

Aleema Khan, the sister of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder and former Prime Minister Imran Khan, has announced that she will be launching a campaign with PTI workers to demand the release of her brother.

According to PTI sources, Aleema Khan visited Peshawar and Mardan yesterday, where she met with party workers who have been imprisoned. During these meetings, the workers voiced a litany of complaints against the current Chief Minister and other party leadership.

“Aleema Khan met with PTI workers in PK-83 and addressed their grievances,” a party source said.

MNA Shandana Gulzar and PTI leader Khadija Shah were also present, and they expressed strong displeasure with the party leadership.


Aaj News
 
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Senator Azam Swati stated that those who facilitated his meeting with PTI Chairman Imran Khan in Adiala Jail performed a positive act for the country

Speaking to the media outside the Supreme Court, Swati said that the gesture was crucial for preserving Pakistan’s system.

Addressing a question, Swati made it clear that PTI was not seeking any leniency by cancelling rallies, asserting that the party is committed to upholding the constitution and the law.

He added that Imran Khan would endure the hardships of imprisonment without any favours.

Swati’s remarks follow an early morning meeting on 22 August between Imran Khan and PTI leaders at Adiala Jail. After the meeting, the party decided to cancel a planned rally in Islamabad.

PTI leaders, including Swati and Barrister Gohar, conveyed that Imran Khan had received reports about religious groups gathering in the capital’s Red Zone to protect Khatm-e-Nabuwwat.

Respecting the sanctity of the cause, Imran Khan ordered the rally’s cancellation, cautioning that this should not be viewed as a sign of weakness.

Reacting to the develoipment, Aleema Khan, the sister of Imran Khan, had alleged that PTI's decision to cancel its rally was made under pressure from the 'establishment.'

She questioned why Azam Swati, a PTI leader, visited Imran Khan early in the morning and who instructed him to deliver the message about the rally postponement.

She also accused the current PTI leadership of having no intention of freeing Imran Khan from jail.

Source: The Express Tribune
 
Ah, Imran Khan an admirer of Sufism follows the ideology of the Taliban. 👍🏼

Imran Khan wasn’t the one that kept Bin Laden in Abbottabad. The Pakistani establishment is known to fund terror organisations, but you don’t have a problem with that because they “keep you safe”.

The only thing the establishment can clear is the corruption cases on politicians ahead of elections.
I am an admirer of many people will not make me them. Pak establishment does whatever it takes to keep the country safe. They are no better or worse then CIA, Mossad or RAW. I do not support any Pak politician least of all a zaani and hypocrite like Imran Khan. He should call his sons from London then guard the borders together with them. This old man will not last 12 hours standing in the heat.
 
I am an admirer of many people will not make me them. Pak establishment does whatever it takes to keep the country safe. They are no better or worse then CIA, Mossad or RAW. I do not support any Pak politician least of all a zaani and hypocrite like Imran Khan. He should call his sons from London then guard the borders together with them. This old man will not last 12 hours standing in the heat.
Yes keep it safe. How many have died today and the last few weeks. If they can spend billions to stop the internet, maybe these thugs can actually focus on stop the murder of innocent Pks. Save the rubbish for your paymasters.
 
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Pak establishment does whatever it takes to keep the country safe.

They’re not doing a very good job, are they?

hypocrite like Imran Khan

A hypocrite would be someone who is anti ttp, but has no problem with the state funding/housing terrorists.

This old man will not last 12 hours standing in the heat.

Why would someone who is against war want to stand at the border. It should be people like you want to invade other countries that stand at the border. But, you’re too busy on PP🤷🏻‍♂️
 

PTI founder should contest elections in jail, not Oxford: Punjab information minister​


Punjab Information Minister Azma Zahid Bukhari has criticised Imran Khan, the founder of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), suggesting that he should contest elections in Adiala Jail rather than at Oxford University.

In a statement, Azma Bukhari stated that the Western media, once praised by Khan for its values, now labels him as a "disgrace" due to ongoing corruption allegations.

She highlighted that Transparency International's reports during Khan's tenure pointed to a rise in Pakistan’s corruption index.

Bukhari further accused Khan and his wife of exploiting their positions as Prime Minister and First Lady, respectively, for personal gain, alleging that they kept valuable gifts from the Toshakhana and concealed millions of pounds.

She expressed disbelief that someone facing serious charges related to the failed May 9 uprising, corrupt practices, and violations of the Official Secrets Act would seek to run for Oxford University’s Chancellor position.

Criticising Khan’s fluctuating rhetoric, Bukhari remarked that true leaders do not change their narratives weekly, likening such behaviour to that of a fraudster rather than a leader.

Imran Khan's team announced last month that the PTI's founding leader will run for chancellor of Oxford University from his prison cell in Pakistan

The seat of chancellor of Oxford University is vacant following the resignation of 80-year-old Lord Patten, the former governor of Hong Kong and Tory Party chairman, who held the post for 21 years.

For the first time, the elections for the chancellor will be held online compared to the traditional process in which the graduates were required to attend the process in full academic dress. The prestigious chancellorship goes to graduates of the university, usually politicians.

Khan is currently in jail over allegations of stoking protests and violence against the Pakistan military on May 9 last year. He has denied the charges.

 

Oxford University urged to reevaluate Imran Khan’s Chancellor Candidacy​


The University of Oxford has faced criticism following Imran Khan’s announcement to run for chancellor from his prison cell in Pakistan.

The 71-year-old former prime minister and cricketer aims to succeed Tory peer Lord Patten in the role.Lord Patten, 80, was the last Governor of Hong Kong from 1992 to 1997 and chairman of the Conservative Party from 1990 to 1992.

The university has received responses raising concerns about Khan's candidacy. A petition opposing him highlights troubling aspects of his public and personal record. It points out that Khan has expressed views and taken actions aligning with extremist elements, notably the Taliban.

This includes his previous proposal to allow the Taliban to establish an office in Pakistan and his characterisation of them as freedom fighters during the US presence in Afghanistan, which provoked significant backlash.

The petition sent to Oxford University alleges that the former cricketer also supported Osama bin Laden. It specifically mentions that in a speech to Pakistan’s National Assembly, Khan controversially referred to bin Laden as a ‘shaheed’ (martyr), a term that honours his death rather than condemning him as a global terrorist.

The petition also criticises Khan over his statements about women and rape.

The university has confirmed that the shortlist of candidates for the chancellor position will be announced in early October.

The election will take place on October 28, with voting conducted online by 250,000 alumni and former staff. The new chancellor will serve a ten-year term.

 

Imran Khan facing increased restrictions, claims sister Aleema khan​


Aleema Khan, the sister of PTI founder Imran Khan, has claimed that authorities have intensified pressure on her brother, aiming for a swift conviction in the £190 million case.

Speaking to the media outside Adiala Jail, she expressed concerns over the increasing restrictions on Imran Khan, including limitations on family visits.

Aleema Khan stated that no more than three people are being allowed to meet the former prime minister at a time, attributing this to the upcoming 8th September rally, which she believes has caused apprehension among the authorities.

She noted that only Omar Ayub and Shibli Faraz were permitted to visit him yesterday, while many others were left waiting outside.

During her address, Aleema mentioned that when they filed a bail application in the Toshakhana case, the prosecution claimed they were unprepared, leading the judge to adjourn the hearing until Monday.

She expressed concern that efforts are being made to secure a quick conviction for Imran Khan in the £190 million case, citing remarks allegedly conveyed by Justice Qazi Faez Isa.

Aleema further warned that a conviction in the £190 million case could lead to additional legal challenges for Imran Khan in the High Court.

She also raised questions about the future of the Al-Qadir Trust, suggesting that if the trust is shut down, it would adversely impact the students studying there.

 
Why is his sister poking her nose into politics if she's afraid that Bushra Bibi will take over the PTI?
 

'Political parties are capable of bringing unity, not military': Imran Khan​


The founding chairperson of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Imran Khan has asserted that only political parties can unite the people, not the military.

"If the military could unite the people, then East Pakistan would not have separated," he remarked.

Imran emphasised that PTI is the only party capable of bringing the nation together.

During an informal conversation with journalists at Adiala Jail on Friday, Imran expressed his concern about the country’s economic situation, describing it as the greatest challenge facing Pakistan.

"I heard earlier that investment in the country was at its lowest in 50 years, but now I’ve learned that this year it’s at the lowest in history".

"The nation’s income is dwindling, debts are rising, and the country is heading towards destruction," he stated, blaming political instability and growing terrorism for the worsening economy.

Imran criticised the February elections, calling them fraudulent and responsible for the ongoing political instability.

"On one hand, they blame us for the rise in terrorism due to our settlement plans, and now they claim it’s due to cross-border terrorism," he said.

He questioned who would invest in a country plagued by terrorism from the TTP, criminals in Kacha, and insurgency in Balochistan, while secret agencies are focused on dismantling PTI.

Imran warned of the growing threat of provincialism in Pakistan, pointing to protests in Punjab over terrorism in Balochistan.

"PTI is the only federal party; the rest are regional. If PML-N and PPP stop honouring the boots, they will be finished," he remarked, adding that PTI is the only party present in all four provinces and capable of uniting the nation.

He expressed concern that the only federal party in the country is being weakened.

"Those making these decisions have no concern for the country. Given the current situation in Balochistan, our efforts should be directed towards bringing the Baloch people on board," he said.

Imran also addressed the recent postponement of the Islamabad rally, noting that it had angered party workers.

"Other parties are holding rallies, but we weren’t allowed a single one. We postponed the rally out of concern for the nation, to prevent further chaos," he explained.

He made it clear that there is no place in PTI for those who left the party during difficult times.

"I know who abandoned us during bad times. There are very few who left the party out of necessity. Those who were active during good times but left during hardships have no place with us," Imran stated.

Imran also indicated that he would not take back those who left the party easily.

"I won’t name anyone, but those who simply walked away from the party won’t be taken back. However, those who endured hardships and remained loyal will have a better decision made in their favour," he assured.

Imran criticised the lack of a fair trial in his case, saying, "Fair trial is my right, but here it’s being torn to shreds".

"The more the situation deteriorates, the harsher the conditions become. I’m not allowed to meet party leaders or lawyers, and it’s been three weeks since I’ve even spoken to my children on the phone."

During the media talk, prison officials prevented journalists from asking Imran questions.

When Imran objected, the deputy superintendent of the jail responded, saying, "There’s a court order that you cannot hold a press conference or media talk."

 
PTI founder will not be granted NRO, says Ahsan Iqbal

Responding to various points raised by Leader of Opposition Omar Ayub Khan in the National Assembly, the minister said almost all PML-N senior party leaders remained in jails and proved their innocence before the courts.

PTI leadership during their rule always asked for receipts from PML-N leaders but now they were not providing their receipts to the courts in corruption cases like 190 million pounds.

“PTI leaders should follow those principles and scales which they set for the then opposition members (PML-N) during their tenure,” he said.

He went on to say that PTI leadership was now seeking NRO but it would not be given to them rather they should clear themselves from the courts.

Regarding provision of facilities to Imran Khan at Adiyala Jail, Ahsan Iqbal said the best possible facilities like 5 stars hotel were available to the PTI founding chairman in the jail.

 
IHC fixes PTI founder’s contempt plea against Adiala jail officials for hearing

The IHC Registrar’s Office fixed a plea for hearing on Thursday before a bench comprising Sardar Ejaz Ishaq Khan.

In the contempt plea, Imran Khan maintained that as the head of a major political party, it is necessary to meet with party leaders and consult with them on different matters.

“Despite court orders, the authorities at Adiala Jail are not allowing meetings,” the contempt plea maintained.

Imran Khan requested the IHC to order the implementation of its earlier orders and initiate contempt of court proceedings against the officials at Adial Jail for complying with its directives.

Earlier, the IHC ordered the Adiala jail superintendent to arrange online meetings between the former prime minister Imran Khan and his lawyers till the resolution of the security issues.

IHC’s Justice Sardar Ejaz Ishaq Khan issued the judgment in which the court sought a report from the Adiala jail superintendent tomorrow (Friday) regarding the arrangement following court orders.

In the judgment, the court said that the PTI founder’s lawyer had said that they were restricted from meeting their client due to security issues.

The IHC ordered the jail authorities to make arrangements to facilitate Imran Khan’s online meetings with his legal team. They were directed to ensure the required internet speed for smooth huddles of the former prime minister.

 
IHC warns Adiala Jail officials for blocking Imran Khan’s lawyer

The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Wednesday warned Adiala Jail authorities that it would move the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) trial of Imran Khan to another location if his lawyers continued to be denied access.

Justice Ejaz Ishaq Khan issued the warning after Imran’s legal team, led by Chaudhry Faisal Hussain, reported they had been blocked from attending two hearings on August 29 and September 2.

"If Adiala Jail authorities do not allow lawyers to represent their client... this Court will move the court from the jail to another premises under the direct sight of this court," the judge warned.

The IHC also issued notices to the superintendent and deputy superintendent of Adiala Jail, instructing them to be present at the next hearing to explain their actions.

The court stated, "In case they are not present... this Court will proceed on the basis that the allegations in the petition are correct."

Imran’s legal team argued that the denial of access violated his fundamental right to legal representation, regardless of whether the trial was held in jail.

The IHC echoed these concerns, describing them as a serious matter that impacted the right to justice.

The court further ordered that any evidence recorded in the trial without the presence of Imran’s legal team would be deemed insignificant.

The case hearing is adjourned until September 9.

EXPRESS TRIBUNE
 
Imran Khan posted this on his official X account

Former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s Statements from Adiala Jail:
September 4, 2024

Pakistan’s army belongs to everyone - to the whole nation - not just one political party or the army chief. They robbed the election and are now not allowing the judiciary to function independently. They have destroyed every institution including the Police, NAB (National Accountability Bureau) and the FIA (Federal Investigation Agency). Now the Supreme Court is the people’s only hope. The Police and NAB are being weaponized against us.

The Commissioner of Rawalpindi is a witness to this because he supervised the election in the Pindi Division. When the Commissioner of Rawalpindi told everyone the truth about the Chief Justice and the Election Commission, he was forcibly disappeared. Had the Chief Justice been innocent, he would surely have summoned the Commissioner of Rawalpindi to his court. I am now announcing that if they try to sabotage the independence of the judiciary, I will call for street protests.

They did not even let the opposing team (PTI) step out onto the field, and yet they lost heavily. Those who could not even win a total of 20 seats were given a fake mandate and brought into power. They are doing what even an enemy would not be able to do, causing damage to the institution.

Nations are not destroyed when their (external) enemies attack. Nations are destroyed when corrupt and incompetent people are placed into positions of power in state institutions. Mohsin Naqvi was made the Interior Minister as well as the Chairman of the cricket board. He was given this position by none other than the “Big Boss” himself, and now he has annihilated cricket. The Pakistan Cricket Team suffered a whitewash at the hands of Bangladesh. What can be a worse defeat than that? What was the calamity that caused our team’s performance to become worse than that of the Bangladesh team, and for the team to be completely destroyed in just three years?

Favorites have been imposed to run a technical sport like cricket. What are Mohsin Naqvi’s qualifications? Ramiz Raja was not related to me. He was a professional cricketer whom I made the Chairman of PCB (Pakistan Cricket Board). Mohsin Naqvi committed election fraud and was involved in the wheat procurement fraud (scandal). Yet, he was appointed as the Interior Minister and Chairman PCB by the "Big Boss". The Dubai Leaks exposed assets worth five million dollars belonging to Mohsin Naqvi’s wife. Where did that money come from?

It has been two and a half months and (Justice) Qazi Faez Isa has still not announced the reserved verdict in the NAB Amendments appeal. This is because he wants to make sure that I am convicted in the ridiculous Al-Qadir University case before that decision is announced. I have already said that, although the amendments to NAB (anti-corruption) laws would go in my favor, I am contesting them for the sake of the nation. A game is being played. Four references against Nawaz Sharif, five against Shehbaz Sharif, and nine against Zardari and his front-men have been frozen, yet false references against me are being conducted at full speed.

NAB has frozen donations for Al-Qadir University. After Namal, Al-Qadir is only the second rural university. One hundred percent of students are getting free education at Al-Qadir University. They want to shut down Al-Qadir University. But shutting it down will not do me any harm, it will hurt the students. We have already fallen behind in the subcontinent in the field of education. If Shaukat Khanum (Cancer Hospital) is also shut down, people will have to pay ten times more for cancer treatment.

I have not spent a single day at the prison hospital. Nawaz Sharif, Shehbaz Sharif, and Asif Zardari were given air conditioned rooms with en-suite bathrooms. One of the prisoners cooks for me, but I have never complained. Only three visits are allowed to meet with me in a week, whereas Nawaz Sharif met with forty people (when he was in jail). It was an open house for him. Nawaz Sharif used to even talk to journalists in the privacy of his own room. I send the names of six of my party leaders every week, and only three are allowed to meet me for a mere thirty minutes. I have so many cases against me, and yet, I am only allowed to meet with six lawyers. I am kept in solitary confinement. I spend 21 hours of the day inside my prison cell.

My cell heats up like an oven because of the weather, but I have never complained, never said I’m suffering. I have to go to a separate room to bathe. I have just one complaint, though. I am not allowed to speak with my children, although that is my legal right. They (the illicit government) lie on the floor of Parliament that I have been given five-star facilities. I have the same facilities that an inmate on death row has. It feels as though a Martial Law administrator is in charge. Under which law are journalists not allowed to ask me questions? I am the leader of Pakistan’s biggest political party. It is my legal and constitutional right to speak with members of the media in an open court.

The Pakistani culture bestows a special place, sanctity, and honor upon women due to our Islamic values. My wife has been unjustly imprisoned for the past seven months. She is a housewife who has never intervened in government affairs and has nothing to do with politics. Her only crime is being my wife. Similarly, the women of my party are being subjected to ill-treatment for the past one and a half years, which is inhumane and extremely sad.
 

'Once I am out, I won’t spare you or the NAB chairman': Imran Khan warns NAB officials​


Former Prime Minister and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder, Imran Khan, threatened a National Accountability Bureau (NAB) investigator during a Toshakhana case hearing, warning of legal action upon his release from custody.

During a court proceeding held at Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi, related to a new Toshakhana reference, Imran approached the NAB investigation officer, Mohsin Haroon, and issued a stern warning, Express News reported.

"Because of the cases you’ve made, my wife is in jail. Once I’m out, I won’t spare you or the NAB chairman," Imran told Mohsin Haroon, adding that he would take them both to court as soon as he is freed.

Pevioulsy, NAB had challenged the decision to grant bail to former prime minister Imran Khan in the £190 million reference case.

The appeal was filed in the Supreme Court by the NAB chairman, arguing that the Islamabad High Court's decision to grant bail ignored key facts. The Islamabad High Court had approved bail for Imran Khan on May 15, setting a bond of RS 1 million.

NAB contended that the High Court's decision was legally flawed and has requested the Supreme Court to nullify it.

Several individuals were present as the PTI leader made the remarks, escalating tensions during the ongoing trial.

This latest confrontation comes as Imran continues to face multiple legal challenges, with his imprisonment and that of his wife, Bushra Bibi, becoming a focal point of his public statements.

Imran Khan has repeatedly criticised the NAB, alleging that the cases against him and his family are politically motivated.

His threat to pursue legal action against NAB officials highlights the deepening divide between the former prime minister and state institutions.

 
he needs to stay in prison for long as possible if he's going to threaten the government bodies, we cant have a dangerous man like Imran khan on the streets of Pakistan
 
I really hope for sake of Pakistan, Imran Khan does not bow to pressure. I hope he can withstand the lawlessness as much as he humanly can. For I'm sure if IK lives through this time and doesn't succumb then hopefully real democracy can be bought about in Pakistan.
 
he needs to stay in prison for long as possible if he's going to threaten the government bodies, we cant have a dangerous man like Imran khan on the streets of Pakistan
Didn't you claim that you had no interest in politics and didn't want to be tagged in. But anyways what would you do if the govt is stealing elections, killing people, locking up people without trial, threatening judges and kidnapping people
 
Imran Khan calls NAB amendments 'unconstitutional'

Former Prime Minister and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) foudning leader Imran Khan has condemned the recent amendments to the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) laws, calling them unconstitutional and a path to destruction.

Speaking from Adiala Jail, where he is being held, he accused the country’s elite of pardoning their own crimes through these amendments while asking the public to make sacrifices.

“These NAB amendments are a disaster and unconstitutional. The elite have forgiven themselves billions of rupees in corruption cases and are now telling the nation to make sacrifices,” said Khan.

Claiming that the amendments allowed powerful figures to escape justice, he accused the ruling class of benefiting from legislation designed to protect them from accountability.

He also noted that, under his government, the NAB had recovered Rs480 billion compared to the Rs290 billion accumulated from 1999 to 2017.

Imran Khan criticised the current performance of the NAB, pointing out that in the last year, it had only recovered Rs15 million.

He contrasted this with the Rs1,100 billion he claimed the institution was poised to collect under his administration before the amendments were introduced.

The PTI leader also highlighted the plight of prisoners in Adiala Jail, mentioning that many remain incarcerated because they cannot afford bail or fines as low as Rs50,000.

"While the elite are pardoning themselves, hundreds of inmates here remain jailed over minor financial penalties,” he added.

He reiterated that the NAB amendments had effectively granted immunity to the powerful, noting that laws should apply equally to everyone.

He claimed that former army chiefs General Musharraf and General (retired) Bajwa had previously given relief to politicians like Asif Ali Zardari and the Sharif family, halting action on corruption cases under their tenure.

The PTI leader also called for the NAB to become an independent institution, free from political interference, and expressed his desire for accountability within the bureau itself.

He suggested that the Supreme Judicial Council should oversee the institution to ensure it operates independently.

Addressing the current leadership, he responded to the Army Chief's recent statement about reducing hatred in the country.

saying that the country's establishment should be the ones to take the first step towards easing tensions.

He also condemned the treatment of his wife, Bushra Bibi, who has been imprisoned for seven months.

“What is her crime?” he asked, criticising the authorities for targeting his family.

Looking ahead to a planned PTI rally on September 8, Imran Khan urged his supporters to come out in full force, calling it a fight for true freedom.

"This is a battle for real freedom, and freedom comes from justice. I urge the entire nation to stand with us on September 8," he said.

He also addressed concerns about his own future, insisting that he would not leave Pakistan, unlike many members of the country's elite, who he claims have moved their wealth abroad.

“My life is in this country. I won’t run away,” he vowed.

 

Israeli media blog suggests Imran Khan could lead change in Israel-Pakistan ties​

The Times of Israel blog has identified Imran Khan, the founder and chairman of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), as the most suitable leader to normalise diplomatic relations between Pakistan and Israel.

The Israeli blog cited Imran Khan’s approach to foreign policy during his tenure as Prime Minister and emphasised his personal ties to influential pro-Israel figures, including his former in-laws, the Goldsmith family.

It pointed out that Imran Khan’s connection to his ex-wife, Jemima Goldsmith, and her family, particularly his brother-in-law Zac Goldsmith, played a significant role in shaping his perspective on Israel.

Zac Goldsmith, a prominent figure in pro-Israel and Jewish circles, is said to have influenced Imran Khan’s views on the matter.

The writer claimed that this family connection gives Imran Khan a unique outlook, making him more open to reconsidering Pakistan’s stance towards Israel.

Historically, Pakistan has maintained a staunch pro-Palestinian stance, rooted in its identity as an Islamic Republic and its commitment to the global Muslim community.

Successive Pakistani governments have condemned Israel’s actions in the Palestinian territories and refused to engage in diplomatic relations.

Imran Khan, too, publicly upheld this stance during his premiership, criticising Israel’s policies and dismissing the idea of normalisation as long as the Palestinian issue remained unresolved.

According to the blog, there have been informal messages conveyed to Israeli officials through the Goldsmith family, signalling potential moves towards normalising ties between the two countries.

The blog highlighted that while this may pose a significant challenge in Pakistan’s political landscape, his leadership could facilitate a shift in the current nature of Pakistan-Israel relations.

The blog urged Israel and its allies to ensure that Imran Khan remains politically active, stressing that his involvement in Pakistani politics is crucial for any potential diplomatic progress.

The writer also noted that during Imran Khan’s time in office, he adopted a pragmatic foreign policy, which could prove pivotal in reshaping Pakistan’s approach to Israel.

Some political analysts have observed increasing efforts by Zionist lobbies to secure Imran Khan’s release from detention, and they consider the Times of Israel blog as a part of a broader strategy to support his return to politics.

Under his leadership, Prime Minister Imran Khan categorically rejected any possibility that Pakistan could establish relations with Israel after it signed a historic deal with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to normalise bilateral ties in 2020.

“Our stance is very clear from day one and Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah had said Pakistan can never accept the state of Israel until the people of Palestine get rights and state,” he said in an interview with a private news channel.

He also said that accepting the state of Israel is equivalent to giving up Pakistan’s stance on Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK).

“The case of Palestinians is similar to people of Kashmir and their [Palestinians] rights have been snatched and they have been suffering Israeli atrocities.”

In another instance, he made it clear that he has no “second thought” about recognising Israel.

"I have no second thought to recognise Israel unless there is a just settlement, which satisfies Palestinians,” he went on to say.

Source: The Express Tribune
 

Talal Chaudhry claims Imran Khan was launched into politics to protect Israeli interests​


Senior leader of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) Senator Talal Chaudhry has alleged that the founder of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), Imran Khan, was introduced into Pakistani politics to safeguard Israeli interests.

Reacting to an article published in an Israeli newspaper, Chaudhry stated, "The Israeli newspaper has now confirmed the PTI founder’s actions regarding Israeli interests."

He further claimed that the Goldsmith family played a significant role in the PTI leader's election at Oxford University, adding that Jemima Goldsmith – Imran Khan’s former wife – has consistently supported him in difficult times.

In a separate statement, Chaudhry commented on PTI’s September 8 rally in Islamabad, cautioning the party against spreading unrest.

"If the law is violated, action will be taken. The PTI can hold 100 rallies, but the government will not allow a repeat of May 9," he said, referring to previous unrest linked to the party.

He also accused PTI of using rallies to seek an NRO.

The remarks followed a controversial article published in Israel, where the author described Imran Khan as the ideal figure to improve Pakistan-Israel relations.

The piece also claimed that the PTI leader had previously sent messages to Israel through the Goldsmith family.

Source: The Express Tribune
 
I really hope for sake of Pakistan, Imran Khan does not bow to pressure. I hope he can withstand the lawlessness as much as he humanly can. For I'm sure if IK lives through this time and doesn't succumb then hopefully real democracy can be bought about in Pakistan.
What will be the outcome of this?
 
Imran seeks acquittal under NAB tweaks he contested

Even as Imran Khan railed against amendments to the National Accountability Ordinance 1999 recently restored by the Supreme Court, his legal team on Saturday moved an application in an accountability court seeking the former prime minister’s acquittal in the £190 million case on grounds that the amended law protected the decisions taken by the federal cabinet.

Imran Khan had challenged the NAB amendments introduced by the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) government, which were later set aside by a Supreme Court bench headed by then-chief justice Umar Ata Bandial on Sept 15 last year.

These amendments were restored by the apex court bench led by Chief Justice of Pakistan Qazi Faez Isa in response to a review petition by the government.

In the application, Imran Khan’s legal team comprising Barrister Salman Safdar, Usman Riaz Gill and Zaheer Abbas said that NAB had initiated proceedings against their client as well as other accused persons at the behest of political rivals.

“Despite being fully aware that the case does not fall within the ambit of the NAO, 1999, NAB exceeded its jurisdiction and filed a false and frivolous reference, alleging that the applicant, as the prime minister of Pakistan, chaired the cabinet meeting held on Dec 03, 2019, during which a deed of confidentiality was approved,” said his application.

The application further stated that the bureau accused Mr Khan of misusing his authority for the said approval and, in return, obtained approximately 458 kanal land in tehsil Sohawa, Rs285 million, and other benefits under the guise of donations for the Al-Qadir University Project Trust.

“Additionally, it is alleged that the applicant and his spouse, through their associate Farhat Shehzadi, received 240 kanal of land from co-accused Ahmad Ali Riaz Malik as compensation for personal gain. Thus, the Accused/Applicant, as a public office holder, is accused of misusing his authority for personal gain for himself and his wife in the form of donations and other benefits.”

The application contended that NAB had filed the reference before the accountability court which framed the charge on Feb 27, 2024, against the applicant and his spouse under nine different counts.

It added that the prosecution presented 35 out of 59 witnesses to substantiate the charges against the applicant and his spouse, and the proceedings were underway.

It said the donations to the Al-Qadir Trust were duly acknowledged by the trustee on March 24, 2021, and the prosecution claimed that they constituted personal gains for the accused and his spouse. The application said there was “no evidence of any personal gain or misuse of authority” by the applicant in the entire episode of the cabinet meeting held on Dec 03, 2019.

Citing the amendment in the National Accountability Ordinance (NAO) during 2022, the lawyers claimed that the amended law protected the decisions taken in the cabinet meeting and the cases involving allegations of misuse of authority or procedural lapses in any public or government work, project. It further said that the prosecution failed to present evidence that the public office holder received any material benefit from the transaction.

Further, it must be emphasised that the prosecution witnesses themselves testified during the evidence that neither the applicant nor his spouse had received any personal gain from the trust or its assets to date, it added.

Speaking to Dawn, the PTI chief’s counsel Usman Riaz Gill said the decision to take benefit of the amended NAO had been taken by the legal team.

Talking to the media persons following the proceeding in the accountability court, Mr Khan said NAB amendments were contradictory to the Constitution.

He said it had never happened in any parliament across the world that a law was approved to pardon plunder.

The ex-premier claimed that during the PTI government, NAB was working under the command of then-army chief Qamar Javed Bajwa. Now, he alleged, the incumbent chief of army staff was controlling the bureau.

DAWN NEWS
 
Israel backing PTI founder: Khawaja Asif

Defense Minister Khawaja Asif on Sunday asserted that the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder has the backing of Israel, referring to the blog which stated PTI founder is the right person for Pakistan-Israel relations, ARY News reported.

In a video statement, Asif pointed out that Israeli media is writing in favor of the PTI leader, adding that the PTI founder had previously campaigned in favor of a Jewish candidate against a Muslim candidate, Sadiq Khan, in London.

Asif further claimed that Israel itself is endorsing the PTI founder politically, which, according to him, poses a threat to Pakistan’s international identity.

“Israel is demonstrating the certificate of political adoption of the PTI founder,” Asif said.

He emphasized that Pakistan holds a significant position in the Muslim world, and accused Israel of carrying out the worst massacres in human history.

Despite this, he stated, the PTI founder has failed to openly condemn Israel and instead aligns with the Zionists, attempting to undermine the identity of Pakistan.

Moreover, Asif criticized the former PM for allegedly controlling his followers mentally, claiming that the youth has been misled by PTI founder as now they are unwilling to accept the reality.


 
PkMAP chief warns of nationwide strike if Imran Khan not released

Pashtunkhwa Milli Awami Party (PkMAP) Chairman Mahmood Khan Achakzai has warned that the opposition alliance would launch a nationwide movement if former prime minister Imran Khan were not released from jail.

“If, within 15 days, Imran Khan and all political prisoners are not released, we will initiate a political movement across the country,” he said while addressing supporters of PTI in Islamabad.

Khan is incarcerated for more than a year as his legal battles continue. The PTI founder is facing cases related to May 9 and graft.

The former prime minister has expressed his concerns over the possibility of his military trial by making former Inter-Services Intelligence director general Lieutenant General (retd) Faiz Hameed an approver against him.

On Saturday, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif hinted at such a possibility and stated that Khan’s military trial would be based on the “evidence” and ex-spymaster would speak about his cooperation with the former prime minister.

Achakzai expressed his disappointment with PTI leadership, saying it is unacceptable that Imran Khan remains in jail despite the support of millions. He urged the crowd to advance strategically and give the government 10 to 15 days.

He announced that under the platform of the Tehreek Tahafuz Ayeen-i-Pakistan, they would unite to declare that a movement would be launched in every district of Pakistan. “Neither the military nor the police can stop our path; only the people will reign.”

The PkMAP stated that there was a lack of organization within PTI, noting that “clothes tear and pockets get picked when climbing onto the stage; such a crowd cannot bring about a revolution.”

He claimed that throughout history, no revolution—be it religious or political—has garnered such massive public support.

He questioned why a revolution had not yet occurred, attributing this to the lack of organisation, which he deemed a fundamental requirement for any revolution. Achakzai acknowledged the public’s love and passion for Khan but emphasised the necessity of a better organisational structure within the party.

The PkMAP chief criticised influential political figures who claim there is no difference between Form 45 and Form 47, asserting: “Those with Form 47 are thieves and robbers. Today, our establishment knows that Shahbaz’s government came to power through intimidation, dishonesty, and theft.”


 
What will be the outcome of this?
Perhaps real democracy. In recent history of Pakistan there have been very few instances of democracy without influence from military. I'm late 80s when Benazir formed the Government then at that point establishment's influence in politics and running the country were at a minimum. Unfortunately for Pakistan Benazir made a seriously wrong choice in marrying Zardari who's corruption scale was large enough to topple Benazir's popularity scale resulting in her being toppled and not get re-elected.

The next phase in which Pakistan had a relatively small stint with minimal involvement from establishment was during PMLN stint from 2013-2018. I got to admit it that during this era Pakistan really progressed. However PMLN has too many skeletons in their closet and it was easy to sideline them by exposing their corruption.

It will be another opening for real democracy in Pakistan if Imran somehow withstands this military onslaught. Of course real democracy is good for Pakistan. I'm not saying Imran will deliver or lay path for continuous democracy as who knows one of his close ally, wife or a misstep might lead to an opening of door for military to step in. Regardless of what future holds we need Imran back as that is the pathway for democracy. Imran is a hope for a flawed democracy to become stable democracy and we can actually lay a pathway for success in long run of 10 years or so. On flip side if Imran loses then we can say goodbye to a door opening for democracy for another 10 years or so until a real leader comes through and that would mean the success of long run will be detailed by another 10-20 years. Hence Imran is just a face but meaning is democracy which we need.
 
Imran backs KP CM, calls those apologising for his words ‘cowards’

In a surprising turn of events, PTI founding chairman Imran Khan threw his weight behind Ali Amin Gandapur and derided all those who distanced themselves from the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa chief minister’s hard-hitting speech at Sunday’s public rally.

Speaking to reporters at Adiala jail after proceedings of the £190 million corruption case, Mr Khan also announced that he was closing the doors of dialogue with the establishment, saying that they had deceived the PTI.

Endorsing CM Gandapur’s remarks about the media, women and the establishment as being a reflection of “public sentiments”, Mr Khan claimed that the KP chief executive was detained by the establishment following the Islamabad rally and warned the powers that be they would have to face severe consequences for this act.

The KP chief minister’s remarks had drew widespread condemnation from almost all quarters, even prompting Barrister Gohar Ali Khan and Omar Ayub to tender an unconditional apology.

Mr Khan, who just a day earlier had revealed that the party had postponed its August 22 rally at the establishment’s request, said on Tuesday that no one from the PTI would negotiate with the establishment as they had not honoured their commitment for the Sept 8 jalsa.

He vowed that PTI’s power show on Sept 21 in Lahore would take place at all costs and requested the superior judiciary to ensure the rule of law.

Constitutional package

The former premier also claimed that the government was working on a constitutional package to extend the term of the chief justice of Pakistan.

Meanwhile on Tuesday, PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar vowed to resist the proposed constitutional package regarding the judiciary and continue holding public meetings across the country.

Mr Gohar, who was arrested on Monday night outside the Parliament House and released on Tuesday, said at a press conference that no case had been registered against him by the police, adding that he had surrendered himself for arrest when PTI leader Sher Afzal Marwat was arrested after the National Assembly session concluded.

“We will oppose the constitutional package and will never accept extension of the chief justice by any means as it will be a restriction on the freedom of the judiciary,” the PTI chief said. He added that the constitutional package was introduced to benefit judges and hoped that the judiciary would not accept any such legislation.

Mr Gohar said some PTI MNAs were being pressurised to vote in favour of the constitutional package, but the party would thwart all such attempts by the government.

PTI Secretary General Omar Ayub also said in a talk show on Geo News that the party MNAs were being pressured to support the constitutional package. He said the party had devised a strategy whereby some PTI MNAs would attend the NA session while others would skip it.

In reply to a question, Barrister Gohar said the PTI will definitely hold its next jalsa in Lahore and continue the series of public meetings across the country.

About the fiery speech of the KP chief minister at the Islamabad jalsa, Mr Gohar said the PTI would not apologise for the CM’s speech, as whatever he said was true and right. However, the PTI chairman did tender an apology for the CM’s remarks about journalists during the public meeting.

Regarding the arrest of PTI legislators from inside and outside the Parliament House on Monday night, Gohar termed it “an attack on parliament”.

He hoped that National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq would investigate the matter and expose those behind the “illegal arrests”. He said more than a dozen arrested PTI legislators have been sent on an eight-day physical remand, which the party plans to challenge in the high court.

“Today, September 10, is a black day for democracy when some masked persons barged into the parliament building and forcibly arrested our MNAs. PTI will never forget this black day,” he added.

Court proceedings

The cross-examination on the last prosecution witness in £190m corruption case could not be completed on Tuesday as the counsel for Imran Khan and his spouse Bushra Bibi were busy in the Lahore High Court.

The NAB prosecution, on the other hand, requested the court to close the right of cross-examination of the defence counsel. The prosecution pointed out that the defence counsel could not conclude the cross-examination in 16 consecutive hearings.

The judge adjourned further hearing till Sept 12.

Toshakhana reference

The Special Court of the Federal Investigation Agency on Tuesday issued notices to Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi in a new Toshakhana reference related to Bvlgari Jewelry set.

The reference was transferred to the special judge (central) a day earlier.

Further hearing in this matter has been adjourned till Sept 16.

DAWN NEWS
 

‘Jihad for democracy’: Imran Khan urges PTI to prepare for nationwide street movement​


Imran Khan, the founder of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), has urged his party to prepare for a nationwide street movement, declaring that the fight is necessary to safeguard the country’s freedom.

Speaking to journalists at Adiala Jail on Thursday, Khan said, "Our movement is a jihad for democracy. I call on the entire nation to take to the streets to save our freedom."

Khan accused Special Judge Humayun Dilawar of being behind his and his wife Bushra Bibi’s imprisonment. "Humayun Dilawar was gifted land worth billions in return for his decisions against us. Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa's Anti-Corruption department holds all the evidence, but now the FIA has filed a case against them."

He also criticised Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, alleging that Naqvi was rewarded with key positions including interior ministry and PCB chairmanship for his role in the government's crackdown on PTI. "Naqvi committed the worst atrocities against us, including the brutal killing of Zille Shah by the police. His body was dumped on the road, and an FIR was lodged against me," Khan said.

Khan further condemned Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa, accusing him of protecting those responsible for PTI’s oppression. "Justice Isa stripped us of our electoral symbol and refused to hear our petitions on human rights violations."

The former prime minister expressed concerns over electoral fraud, saying, "The former Rawalpindi commissioner held the chief justice and Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) accountable for the rigging, yet Chief Justice Isa will be given an extension."

Drawing a parallel to historical events, Khan likened the current political situation to that of Yahya Khan's era, accusing the powers that be of prioritising personal interests over the nation.

"Nawaz Sharif has been kept in check with a scare, otherwise he would have fled long ago. The entire nation must rise for a street movement to preserve our freedom," Khan urged, adding that the rule of law is essential for attracting investment to Pakistan.

He concluded by announcing that PTI’s street protest plans will be revealed soon, while also highlighting ongoing injustices, including the abduction of Saadullah Baloch’s wife and daughter. "They have entered the assemblies and arrested parliamentarians. This has never happened before, and my wife’s imprisonment is also illegal."

 
'Undemocratic overkill' in Pakistan as Imran Khan's followers push to free him

For weeks, the roads around Islamabad have been lined by shipping containers; road blocks ready for immediate deployment in the event of any protest.

Pakistan’s capital has become used to entire areas being sealed off whenever the authorities get an inkling that unrest could be brewing. It is a constant reminder to the city’s residents that at any moment, everything could tip.

Last Sunday, the containers were out in force, blocking 29 routes around the city.

In a much-publicised and anticipated political rally, Imran Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) supporters made their way in their thousands towards Islamabad. The crowd waved flags and banners while a poster of the former prime minister suspended by balloons gently floated overhead. Others wore eerie masks of Imran Khan’s face. Chants of "Imran Khan Zindabad" (long live Imran Khan) echoed around the venue.

The containers did not contain them; video on social media shows lines of supporters shoving the corrugated metal aside and surging through to reach the rally’s venue.

The man whose face was everywhere was not in attendance. Imran Khan has been behind bars for more than a year, having been convicted of corruption and charged with leaking state secrets.

Mr Khan has called all the charges against him politically motivated. But despite seeing his sentences overturned and a UN working group declaring that he had been "arbitrarily detained", there seems little movement toward his release. Most analysts say that without the explicit say-so from Pakistan’s politically powerful military, Mr Khan will not be let out.

That didn’t stop the political promises from PTI leaders on Sunday.

"Listen Pakistanis, if in one to two weeks Imran will not be released legally, then I swear to God we will release Imran Khan ourselves," the chief minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Ali Amin Gandapur, bellowed from the stage. "Are you ready?"

The crackdown

The reaction came quickly.

On the following evening, word began to spread on social media and TV news channels that the crackdown had begun. Footage from Pakistan’s parliament showed the party’s chairman and MP Gohar Ali Khan being marched out of the building, his arms held firmly by police, cameras and mobile phones hovering in a swarm around him.

CCTV footage reportedly filmed inside the office of Shoaib Shaheen, another National Assembly member, showed him being quickly bustled out of the room as men streamed through several doors.

Confusion about exactly who had been arrested pinged around WhatsApp groups. Even by the morning after, the police had only confirmed three arrests to the BBC, while the PTI said the number was higher than 10. Mr Gohar was later released, but several others remained in police custody.

The assumption from the start was that these arrests had been made under a new law, introduced only last week and labelled by Amnesty International’s spokesperson as "another attack on the right to freedom of peaceful assembly". The Peaceful Assembly and Public Order Act 2024 act restricts public gatherings and proposes three-year jail terms for participants of "illegal" assemblies, with 10-year imprisonment for repeat offenders.

While the PTI had received permission to hold their rally, the police had already complained that it had run past the designated cut-off time and therefore caused a "serious law and order situation".

Cat and mouse

The crackdowns mark the latest phase in a long game of cat and mouse between Imran Khan’s PTI and the authorities. So what does this power struggle mean for Pakistan?

"At best this is a dangerous distraction," says Michael Kugelman, director of the South Asia Institute at the Wilson Centre think tank in Washington. "But at worst, it could be something that destabilises the country even more. It makes it all the more difficult to address Pakistan’s economic and security challenges."

Pakistan is still trying to stabilise its economy and has seen an increasing number of militant attacks.

Mr Kugelman argues that Pakistan’s military, thought to be the driving force behind the crackdown on PTI, are trying to contend with a changing world.

"For many years the army has had its way with dissent. It’s been able to snuff it out through crackdowns," he said. "But what’s different with Pakistan and the world [now] is that this is the social media era. The PTI has been able to master the art of social media to advance political goals."

Mr Kugelman described this as a "very concerning" development from the military's perspective, and said it's not surprising that it would resort to methods which "might seem like overkill and certainly are, not to mention wholly undemocratic."

"This is a military reacting to a political threat it’s not used to," he said.

Beyond the introduction of the illegal assembly law and the arrests of lawmakers from parliament, the Pakistani government has also been criticised by digital rights campaigners for limiting online activities.

Since the February elections, social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, has not worked in Pakistan without a VPN. The military has repeatedly talked about the dangers of "cyber terrorism", and the government recently said that it was creating an online firewall. When questioned about how the firewall might limit freedom of speech, a minister said "it would not curb anything".

Many see this as an attempt to try to limit PTI’s social media machine, including the reach of the party's supporters based outside the country who regularly criticise the military online.

A hybrid regime

The longer these clashes continue, the worse some fear it could be for Pakistan. As Mehmal Sarfraz, a Lahore-based political commentator and journalist, puts it: “When political parties fight, a third force takes advantage."

For many analysts, that third force is Pakistan’s military which has long been closely tied to the country’s politics. The degree to which the military has allowed civilian governments to make decisions has waxed and waned. Today many analysts see the military’s hand in many political decisions and restrictions.

“Unless political parties talk to one another, this hybrid regime will continue to gain strength,” says Ms Safraz. “The hybrid could then become more permanent.”

Imran Khan has made it clear, however, that he and his party have no interest in speaking to the other political parties.

The PTI is consistently popular and able to mobilise, and seems unbowed by the pressure. But despite party members' success keeping their leader’s name in the headlines, they can’t get him out from behind bars.

Rather than coming to a compromise, the recent rally and heated speeches suggest that they remain confrontational. And that could have ramifications for both their political and legal positions; Imran Khan is still fighting to avoid being tried in a military court.

The military remain resolute, too. The more the PTI seems to push, the more barriers the military seems to find to put in its way.

The fear for some, however, is that once these new measures are rolled out it will be hard to roll them back.

“The danger is that we become less of a democracy, more of a hybrid with every passing day,” says Ms Sarfraz.

For now, the shipping containers still sit on the sides of Islamabad’s streets.

BBC
 
FIA to probe threatening posts from PTI founder’s X account: Atta Tarar

Minister for Information Atta Tarar on Friday said the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) will probe into the ‘threatening’ posts and handling of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan’s social media accounts, ARY News reported.

Addressing a presser, Atta Tarar said that Imran Khan’s social media accounts are being ‘used’ to create chaos and anarchy in the country, as well as undermining national security.

“He (Imran Khan) should be ashamed of undermining national security, inciting people to anarchy and committing sedition,” Atta Tarar said.

The minister said the message posted on social media from the account of the PTI founder was tantamount to sedition, and creating an anarchy in the country.

He said Imran Khan in the post once again related himself with Sheikh Mujeeb-ur-Rehman, but he seemed to be elusive about the current situation in Bangladesh where the latter’s statues were demolished by the people after realising the truth about history.

He said that the FIA decided to investigate into the handling of the social media accounts of the incarcerated PTI founder.

“It would be ascertained who is the handler of his social media accounts, and whether such posts are being made on his behest or it is done on directives of someone else,” Atta Tarar said.

He said a botched attempt was also made to conspire against the sitting chief justice and heads of other institutions. “Through these posts, he (Imran Khan) tried to mobilise the people against two major state institutions,” the minister added.

Speaking on jail facilities being provided to Imran Khan, Atta Tarar said that the PTI founder has all the facilities ‘like a presidential suite’ in the jail, but yet he still resorted to attacking the state institutions.

“Nobody would be allowed to attack the state institutions at any cost,” he added.


 

Unaware of police entering Parliament Lodges during my tenure: Imran Khan​


Imran Khan, founding leader of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), has claimed ignorance regarding the police operation at Parliament Lodges during his tenure as Prime Minister.

In March 2022, while Imran was in office, Islamabad police conducted a raid at Parliament Lodges, resulting in the arrest of 19 individuals, including JUI-F MNAs Salahuddin Ayubi and Maulana Jamal-ud-Din. The operation sparked significant controversy and was widely covered on social media.

When asked anou the incident during an informal discussion with journalists at Adiala Jail on Saturday, Imran asserted that no one was forcibly removed from Parliament under his leadership and criticised the current government for allegedly ignoring democratic norms.

Addressing queries about the drug case involving Rana Sanaullah, Imran stated that the case was initiated by the Anti-Narcotics Force (ANF).

He confirmed that he had called upon the ANF head, who briefed the cabinet and presented evidence related to Sanaullah’s case.

Imran acknowledged relying on the statements and evidence from the ANF, that is headed by a Major General, despite claims from PTI leaders suggesting the case was fabricated.

Imran also discussed his efforts to intervene in the abduction of journalist Matiullah Jan and accused the current government of human rights violations and electoral fraud through new constitutional amendments.

Imran also criticised Shehbaz Sharif, alleging intervention by Bajwa to prevent Sharif’s conviction on money laundering charges.

He dismissed other legal issues involving Sharif, Nawaz Sharif, and Ishaq Dar as outdated claiming that only the money laundering case had proven charges.

Imran targeted Qazi Faez Isa and condemned recent amendmentsas that he said undermined democratic processes. Imran argued that democracy in Pakistan is at risk with smaller parties gaining parliamentary representation and criticised media restrictions and judicial threats.

He urged his party to prepare for a street movement, indicating that if the government thought they would remain silent about these amendments, they were mistaken.

Despite restrictions, he announced a rally in Lahore on 21 September, asserting that holding such rallies is both a democratic and constitutional right.

He criticised the government for blocking rallies over the past year and a half, warning that the situation in Punjab could turn into a "police state" if these restrictions continued.

The PTI founder concluded by emphasising that his party would continue to fight for democratic principles and resist any attempts to enforce what he described as "slavery."

 
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