Imran warns of protests if CJP's tenure extended

Ex-PM cautions govt against dragging feet on honouring reserved seats ruling

RAWALPINDI:

PTI founder Imran Khan has warned that if the government dragged its feet on honouring the Supreme Court's ruling in the reserved seats case or attempted to meddle with the incumbent chief justice's tenure, the party will hit the streets in force.

The incarcerated leader accused the government of allegedly attempting to alter the Constitution in a bid to maintain a two-thirds majority and reappoint CJP Qazi Faez Isa.

"You have destroyed Pakistan's economy and are now attacking the Supreme Court. If you violate the constitution, the future of the youth will be at risk," he cautioned.

During an informal conversation with the media at Adiala Jail on Monday, the former prime minister also criticised the establishment, saying the nation and the establishment were on different paths. "These people have positioned the country's largest political party against the military."

He warned, "The nation is waiting; the situation is like a volcano ready to erupt. Only a spark is needed, and everything will be destroyed. But no matter what they do, the Pakistani military will not fire on its own people."

Once again drawing parallels with the recent unrest in Bangladesh, the PTI leader claimed that the situation in Pakistan was far worse, adding that the tactics of oppression employed by the former prime minister of Bangladesh against the opposition were being used in Pakistan.

"Sheikh Hasina appointed her own army chief, chief justice, and police chiefs. She marginalised the opposition, including Jamaat-e-Islami. The same tactics are being used in Pakistan."

Lamenting the actions against his party and the alleged poll rigging, Imran said a crackdown was launched against PTI under the guise of May 9 riots before the elections. "Those who stole the May 9 footage are the ones who orchestrated it."

He further accused the government of attempting to manipulate the electoral process by placing their judges in tribunals to cover up alleged electoral fraud.

Imran also dismissed claims of ongoing negotiations between PTI and the military, saying, "Whenever they hear that Imran Khan has contacts with the establishment, they panic. But I have no communication with anyone."

In response to a question about possible negotiations with politicians, he clarified, "If we engage in talks with politicians, it would mean accepting the current government, which we do not recognise. PTI will not negotiate.

"I've authorised Mehmood Khan Achakzai to handle discussions with politicians, but there will be no talks from PTI," he added.

'Peaceful demonstrations across Punjab'

In a related development, PTI also announced plans for peaceful demonstrations across Punjab on Tuesday (today) – the eve of Pakistan's 77th Independence Day.

The protests are intended to call for the release of several detained party leaders and workers, including PTI founder Imran Khan.

Acting president and general secretary of PTI Central Punjab Hammad Azhar confirmed that the party will stage a major demonstration at Liberty Chowk in Lahore at 11pm.

The protest will draw a huge number of PTI supporters and will be marked by the display of national and party flags.

Azhar said that the demonstrations aim to secure the release of Imran Khan alongside other key party figures including Bushra Bibi, vice chairman Shah Mahmood Qureshi, former Punjab governor Umar Sarfraz Cheema, former Punjab health minister Dr Yasmin Rashid, Senator Ejaz Chaudhry, and various other detained party members.

These individuals have been held for approximately a year under what PTI describes as unjust circumstances.

Earlier, the "Save the Constitution Movement," led by Chairman Mahmood Khan Achakzai, has announced plans for public rallies on Independence Day.

Achakzai criticised the ongoing political system, asserting that despite gaining freedom from British rule in 1947, true freedom remains elusive. He accused both the civil and military establishments of holding disproportionate power, undermining the Constitution's authority. Achakzai has called for political dialogue to establish constitutional safeguards and improve electoral laws to ensure transparency in future elections.

He also expressed concerns regarding the current government's legitimacy, alleging that it was formed through a process outlined in fake Form 47, which he described as lacking public endorsement.