Former prime minister and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan on Saturday expressed frustration during an informal media interaction at the Adiala Jail, claiming that the PTI was facing obstacles in conducting its election campaign, with restrictions preventing the party from holding public gatherings.
Imran boldly declared, "Set me free for just three days before the election and allow me to hold only one public gathering, and everyone will see what we can achieve." The statement came in a sequence of Imran’s concerns over the fairness and transparency of the ongoing election process.
Addressing the controversy surrounding the Toshakhana case, Imran asserted that all the gifts in the state's gift depository were estimated based on a small shop owned by an Indian citizen in Dubai. He criticised the case, claiming that it relied heavily on the testimony of a single witness, who was cross-examined on Saturday.
On the valuation of items in the Toshakhana, Khan said, "The jewellery worth Rs18 million has been increased to Rs3 billion, insinuating manipulation to favour certain individuals.” He provocatively added that the “colonel sitting above must be listening”, hinting at an alleged influence on the legal proceedings.
Imran also raised concerns about the selective application of justice, pointing to his disqualification while the court decision was suspended and PML-N Quaid Nawaz Sharif was cleared of his conviction. He questioned the delays in hearing appeals against his disqualification and human rights petitions, emphasising the perceived lack of democracy in the country.
Also read: ‘Unfair elections’ to create more instability
Expressing frustration at the judicial system, Imran stated that despite the Lahore High Court's decision rejecting his nomination papers, no written order had been issued, creating uncertainty around the election process. He warned that the current conduct of the election could lead to political instability and negatively impact the country's economy.
Referring to political rival Nawaz, Imran accused authorities of imposing a "fugitive" on the nation, lamenting the apparent breakdown of the rule of law in the country. Despite the challenges, Imran expressed determination to continue the political fight, asserting, "We will fight till the last ball."
In a swipe at his party's critics and those contemplating leaving the PTI, Imran confidently stated that the party's vote bank remained strong, and efforts by the establishment to break the party had failed.
Looking ahead, Imran predicted that people would join the PTI after the election concluded. Imran emphasised his commitment to peaceful political activities, saying: "I am a politician; I will do politics. I will not hold a gun in my hand."
He criticised the alleged manipulation of intra-party elections, referring to a Supreme Court verdict upholding the Election Commission of Pakistan's decision to strip the PTI of its iconic electoral symbol of 'bat'. Imran expressed his determination to exercise his right to vote through a postal ballot, saying: "All this is being done only so that Imran Khan does not come back to power."
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