Imran says terror charges frivolous

PTI chairman and deposed premier Imran Khan on Friday submitted his statement to the joint investigation team (JIT) through his lawyer in the case filed against him under terrorism charges.

In his statement, the PTI chief claimed that because of political rivalry, the “imported government” had his aide Shahbaz Gill arrested and tortured in custody. He added that whatever he had said in his speech neither fell under the category of terrorism, nor was it his intention to say it.

The terrorism case pertained to his controversial remarks about female district and sessions court judge Zeba Chaudhry and the Islamabad police. “Listen Director Inspector General [of police], we're not going to let you go, we're going to file a case against you. And madam magistrate you should also get ready, we will take action against you," Khan had told his supporters during a rally in support of Gill last month.
Gill was arrested last month on sedition charges after he urged soldiers to disobey orders from military leaders.

The PTI chief further maintained that police under the pressure of the “imported government” not only registered false cases against his party activists but also ordinary citizens as well. On May 25, clashes were reported in the country after authorities blocked roads leading to the federal capital, where Imran's party was planning to hold a major rally to demand the removal of the government and immediate general elections.

Police had fired tear gas in several districts of Punjab, as PTI supporters tried to remove roadblocks on highways leading to Islamabad. The PTI had claimed that more than 1,000 members were arrested in overnight raids across northeastern Punjab in an attempt to foil the march. Videos had emerged of a police crackdown on PTI leaders and supporters in Islamabad, Lahore, Karachi and other parts of the country.

The PTI supporters had also set Islamabad’s Metro station on fire as they entered Pakistan’s capital.
The Islamabad police had said the protesters during the march set fire to trees and vehicles in the Blue area of the capital, prompting the authorities to immediately call fire tenders.

The security in the Red Zone had been beefed up after the protesters set trees on fire on the Express Chowk too. The Islamabad IGP had issued a statement saying eight police officials of the federal capital and seven personnel of Pakistan Rangers were injured as protesters pelted stones at them.

However, after reaching Islamabad, Imran  surprised many by announcing that he was calling off the much-hyped long march to the capital. He had given a six-day deadline to the government for announcing the election date – that had expired.

The PTI chief, in his statement, claimed that he had not carried out any illegal act that would spread chaos. He added that he was innocent and the case should be dismissed. In his speech, Imran stated that he had urged to take legal action against those involved in illegal activities.