‘Jihad for democracy’: Imran Khan urges PTI to prepare for nationwide street movement

Nawaz Sharif has been kept in check with a scare, otherwise he would have fled long ago, says PTI founder

Imran Khan, the founder of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), has urged his party to prepare for a nationwide street movement, declaring that the fight is necessary to safeguard the country’s freedom.

Speaking to journalists at Adiala Jail on Thursday, Khan said, "Our movement is a jihad for democracy. I call on the entire nation to take to the streets to save our freedom."

Khan accused Special Judge Humayun Dilawar of being behind his and his wife Bushra Bibi’s imprisonment. "Humayun Dilawar was gifted land worth billions in return for his decisions against us. Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa's Anti-Corruption department holds all the evidence, but now the FIA has filed a case against them."

He also criticised Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, alleging that Naqvi was rewarded with key positions including interior ministry and PCB chairmanship for his role in the government's crackdown on PTI. "Naqvi committed the worst atrocities against us, including the brutal killing of Zille Shah by the police. His body was dumped on the road, and an FIR was lodged against me," Khan said.

Khan further condemned Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa, accusing him of protecting those responsible for PTI’s oppression. "Justice Isa stripped us of our electoral symbol and refused to hear our petitions on human rights violations."

The former prime minister expressed concerns over electoral fraud, saying, "The former Rawalpindi commissioner held the chief justice and Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) accountable for the rigging, yet Chief Justice Isa will be given an extension."

Drawing a parallel to historical events, Khan likened the current political situation to that of Yahya Khan's era, accusing the powers that be of prioritising personal interests over the nation.

"Nawaz Sharif has been kept in check with a scare, otherwise he would have fled long ago. The entire nation must rise for a street movement to preserve our freedom," Khan urged, adding that the rule of law is essential for attracting investment to Pakistan.

He concluded by announcing that PTI’s street protest plans will be revealed soon, while also highlighting ongoing injustices, including the abduction of Saadullah Baloch’s wife and daughter. "They have entered the assemblies and arrested parliamentarians. This has never happened before, and my wife’s imprisonment is also illegal."