In a new turn of political events, former Prime Minister and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman, Imran Khan, on Monday, alleged that the ruling alliance, led by Shehbaz Sharif, was planning his re-arrest.
Imran Khan expressed his fears that the governing alliance could invoke sedition laws to incarcerate him for the next decade under what he called the “London Plan.” Khan also expressed concerns that the government could humiliate him by imprisoning his wife, Bushra Bibi.
Khan’s comments come on the heels of his recent release from custody following a series of dramatic events. He had been arrested last week by numerous paramilitary troops and was handed over to the National Accountability Bureau (NAB), a move that sparked violent reactions from his PTI supporters. However, the Supreme Court subsequently ordered his release, declaring the arrest illegal. However, the government criticized this decision, suggesting the political tension was far from over.
Read: PTI Declares Legal Action Against Rangers and NAB for ‘Kidnapping’ Imran Khan
Khan also criticized the ruling Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) alliance’s protest campaign against the Chief Justice of Pakistan, Umar Ata Bandial. The PDM had planned to stage a sit-in protest outside the Supreme Court to voice their disagreement with what they saw as the judiciary’s “undue facilitation” of Khan. Khan dismissed these protests as a “drama” intended to intimidate the Chief Justice into not delivering a verdict by the constitution.
Furthermore, Khan expressed apprehension that the government may impose restrictions on the internet again and partially ban social media platforms. He accused the authorities of infringing upon basic human rights, pointing to the large-scale arrests of PTI leaders and supporters following his arrest and the violent protests that ensued. Khan warned of an impending crackdown on the PTI leadership and its supporters in his statement.
Despite the challenges, Khan remains steadfast in his call for early elections. Following a no-confidence vote, he was ousted from the prime minister’s office in April 2022 but remains buoyed by strong support in opinion polls and rallies.
Read: Imran Khan Calls for Independent Inquiry into Violence Following His Arrest
The PTI chief is now seeking the support of the Supreme Court to hold elections in two provinces as an initial step, showing no signs of backing down in his stand against the government and the army. He concluded his comments with a rallying call to the people of Pakistan, vowing to fight for what he called “Haqeeqi Azaadi” (real freedom), urging them to stand against fear and injustice.
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