Imran Khan Closing Doors for Dialogue with the Establishment

Rawalpindi: Former Prime Minister and founder of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Imran Khan has declared that he is closing the doors for dialogue with the establishment, accusing them of deceit. He stated that he had never previously closed the doors for dialogue, but today he is doing so. Speaking informally with the media at Adiala Jail, he directed the entire party to cease communication with the establishment, alleging that they had deceived them.

Khan recalled that the establishment had requested to postpone the August 22 rally, for which PTI’s convoys were already on their way. He also mentioned that the establishment had provided the date of September 8 for a rally and issued a No Objection Certificate (NOC) for it, but PTI was deceived again regarding this rally. He drew a parallel to how Yahya Khan had deceived the Awami League and Mujibur Rahman in the past, suggesting that a similar strategy was employed against PTI on May 9.

Imran Khan claimed that the preparation for the events on May 9 was premeditated, as evidenced by the rapid detention of 10,000 people within 24 hours. He asserted that PTI members were not present in the footage from May 9, and that the footage in question was held by the authorities. He criticized the practice of setting specific times for rallies, suggesting that such timings are usually not fixed for public gatherings.

Khan announced that PTI would hold the Lahore rally on September 21, regardless of whether permission is granted or not. He urged the higher judiciary to protect democracy and the rule of law, claiming that the country is currently under an undeclared martial law and urging the nation to prepare for street protests in support of democratic and legal principles.

He also claimed that there is an effort to bring Chief Justice Qazi Faiz Isa, despite reports that Chief Justice Isa has refused to extend his tenure. Khan dismissed these reports, asserting that the legislation being enacted is meant to facilitate his arrival.

Khan urged the nation to prepare for peaceful protests, emphasizing that the constitution guarantees the right to peaceful assembly. He advised against fearing imprisonment, stating that he has been in jail for 14 months for this reason and that the nation must make sacrifices to ensure a future.

He criticized the current rulers for believing that if Justice Qazi Faiz Isa leaves, the election rigging will be exposed. Khan accused the establishment of increasing animosity by arresting Ali Amin Gandapur, a provincial chief minister, and warned that such actions are leading the country towards disaster. He condemned those within his party who have apologized for Gandapur’s statements, calling them cowardly and unworthy of the party.

Regarding allegations made by Faisal Vawda about his involvement, along with General (retd) Faiz Hameed and Murad Saeed, in the murder of journalist Arshad Sharif, Khan called for an open trial to reveal the truth. He criticized Vawda as a mere mouthpiece and mentioned that Vawda had previously pursued him to arrange meetings with General Faisal Nasir.

Imran Khan concluded by criticizing the government’s handling of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) deal and emphasized that the preservation of democracy and rule of law is crucial for the country.