'It’s time to Do or Die:' Imran Khan

In a social media post shared on X (formerly Twitter) on October 2, 2024, former Prime Minister Imran Khan paid tribute to prominent resistance leaders Syed Hassan Nasrallah and Ismail Haniyeh, praising their sacrifices in the defence of their nations.

"The positions of Syed Hassan Nasrallah and Ismail Haniyeh are very high in the eyes of God as they sacrificed their lives in the defense of their countries," Imran Khan wrote, aligning their actions with the Islamic concept of martyrdom.

He emphasised that martyrdom is highly revered in Islam, positioning martyrs just after prophets in the divine hierarchy.

Imran Khan invoked the example of Tipu Sultan, stating, "I would rather be martyred fighting for my country like Tipu Sultan than die like Bahadur Shah Zafar."

His statement reflected a preference for a heroic death in battle rather than a life marked by defeat and dishonour.

Citing Persian poet Rumi, Imran Khan continued his reflection on freedom and personal responsibility.

"God created man free. When God has given you wings, why do you crawl like insects?," he wrote.

The former Prime Minister then turned his attention to the state of Pakistan’s political system.

He once again criticised the "Gang of Three" and the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM), accusing them of enslaving state institutions for their own benefit.

"The Supreme Court is the only institution left, and now they are trying to subjugate that as well through unconstitutional amendments," Imran Khan said.

He further said, "Pakistan has no rule of law anymore, and there is no accountability."

Imran went on to accuse the government of manipulating the system to secure extensions in their tenure, stating, "The Gang of Three has broken every law to get extensions, the most adverse impact of which has been on the economy."

"All those in power now have their wealth stashed abroad, so they are mercilessly destroying the country’s institutions for their personal gain and power," Imran Khan wrote.

"It’s time to Do or Die!" he declared, calling on his supporters to break free from the "shackles of fear." 

"All my efforts have been to liberate you," he continued. "It is time for you to think beyond your personal interests and come out at every call for protest for the sake of the country’s future."

Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah killed in Israeli airstrike

Hezbollah’s Secretary-General, Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, was martyred in an Israeli airstrike on the group’s central headquarters in Beirut’s southern suburbs, according to Iran's Mehr News Agency.

Israel’s military claimed responsibility for the attack, confirming Nasrallah's death, along with the killing of another top Hezbollah commander, Ali Karaki.

Israeli army spokesperson Avichay Adraee stated that Nasrallah was eliminated in an airstrike aimed at Hezbollah’s leadership, accusing the group of "coordinating terrorist activities against Israel."

The death of Nasrallah, who led Hezbollah for over 32 years, marks a significant blow to both Hezbollah and Iran, whose Revolutionary Guards helped form the group in 1982.

Although Hezbollah has not issued an official statement, the strike has escalated tensions in the region, raising concerns about further conflict.

Iran’s Tasnim news agency initially reported that Nasrallah had survived the strike, but Iran later confirmed his death, which has further strained diplomatic relations between Israel and Lebanon.

Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh assassinated in Iran

Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh was assassinated in Iran just hours after attending the swearing-in ceremony for the country’s new president.

Iran’s Revolutionary Guards confirmed Haniyeh’s death on Wednesday morning, calling the assassination a "cowardly act" by Israeli forces, although Israel has not yet commented on the killing.

Haniyeh, a prominent figure in Hamas’ international diplomacy efforts, had moved between Turkey and Qatar to negotiate ceasefire talks amid the ongoing Gaza conflict.

The assassination of Haniyeh is seen as a major escalation in the already tense Middle Eastern political landscape, further complicating efforts for a ceasefire between Israel and Gaza. Senior Hamas official Sami Abu Zuhri condemned the killing, calling it an effort to "break the will of Hamas."

Haniyeh’s assassination follows the recent death of Hezbollah’s leader, Hassan Nasrallah, in an Israeli strike, intensifying fears of a broader regional conflict.