Imran Khan- the founder and chairman of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI)- has issued a stern warning against any potential extension of Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa’s term through constitutional amendments.
Speaking to journalists during his imprisonment at Adiala Jail, Khan declared that if such an extension is granted, he would call for nationwide protests, asserting that “no single move will ruin everything.”
The former prime minister expressed deep concerns over what he perceives as a manipulation of the constitution, drawing comparisons to the political climate in Bangladesh.
Khan stated, “Pakistan is in a worse condition than Bangladesh. In Bangladesh, the army did not fire on its own people. If the masses take to the streets in Pakistan, the army will not fire on them either. There is a simmering anger among the people.”
Khan, who has been a vocal critic of the current government, directed his party to prepare for a possible street movement.
He compared the situation in Pakistan to that of Bangladesh under Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, where the military, judiciary, and police were reportedly aligned with the ruling party, marginalizing the opposition. “These same tactics are being used in Pakistan,” Khan added.
May 9 crackdown
Reflecting on the events leading up to the elections, Khan accused the government of a deliberate crackdown on PTI in the name of the May 9 protests. “Before the election, our party was targeted under the pretext of May 9.
Half of our leadership was arrested, while others were forced into hiding,” he claimed. Khan also alleged that the Chief Justice, the Election Commission, and the Army Chief were in collusion, but stated that their plans were thwarted on February 8.
Khan further contended that despite the alleged oppression, PTI emerged victorious in February, claiming that “90% of the country’s population” supports his party, drawing a comparison to the support for Khaleda Zia in Bangladesh.
Constitutional violations
The PTI chairman also criticized the current government for what he described as violations of the constitution, particularly in regard to the Supreme Court’s rulings. “Our reserved seats are being withheld, and the constitution was previously violated when elections were not held in two provinces,” Khan said. He emphasized that the failure to implement the Supreme Court’s decision on specific seats is a clear violation of the constitution, vowing to initiate a street movement if these decisions are not respected.
Khan concluded by expressing his reluctance to protest due to the country’s economic situation but warned that the government’s alleged attempt to secure a two-thirds majority and extend Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa’s term could force him and his supporters to take to the streets. “The idol of fear is broken, and people are ready to go to jails and die for their cause,” he declared.
This latest statement from Imran Khan underscores the escalating tensions in Pakistan’s political landscape as the country navigates a turbulent period ahead of the upcoming elections.