Imran Khan, Chairman of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), has affirmed his willingness to vacate his role if those in power can prove to his party that such a move would benefit Pakistan.
During a video address from his Zaman Park home in Lahore on Wednesday, the former prime minister announced plans to form a committee on Thursday to engage in dialogue with the nation’s power holders.
Khan confessed his lack of comprehension about how the proposed October elections could serve Pakistan’s interests. “I’m open to stepping down from politics if my team is convinced it will benefit the country,” he affirmed.
Khan turned his attention to the Supreme Court judges, describing them as Pakistan’s last beacon of hope. He warned that the country’s democracy was threatened, citing a breach of Pakistan’s Constitution since May 14. He urged the judiciary to unite to defend democracy, warning that history wouldn’t absolve them otherwise.
Khan called on his followers to stay resilient despite the challenges. He declared his unwavering stand, expressing his faith in overcoming darkness. He encouraged his followers to reject the submission, preferring to die for freedom over succumbing to oppression.
Khan voiced his concerns about suspending fundamental rights, citing the arrest of over 10,000 PTI workers and the injury of many others. In addition, he criticized the lack of rights for his party members, accusing the authorities of using an alleged arson incident as a pretext.
Questioning the silence of human rights defenders and the media, Khan warned that the current oppression could affect others in the future. He denounced the rise in human rights abuses, highlighting incidents involving Shireen Mazari and other female party workers.
Khan exposed a reported intimidation tactic targeting PTI leaders, threatening their children unless they severed ties with PTI. He warned that such actions threaten the party and the country’s democracy.
He reiterated his call for an impartial investigation into the events of May 9, expressing confidence that the true culprits would be exposed in time.
Addressing the Al-Qadir Trust Case under investigation by the anti-corruption bureau, NAB, Khan maintained his innocence, stating that keeping the transaction confidential was a cabinet decision. However, he invited NAB to challenge the case in UK courts if they believed there were irregularities.
Khan clarified that Al-Qadir Trust wasn’t connected to the transaction, and the project was sponsored by a government-sponsored business tycoon due to his status as a significant developer in Pakistan.
