Former prime minister Imran Khan, currently in jail, has warned of imminent street protests by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) in response to the attack on PTI leader Raoof Hasan. He accused the government of employing coercive tactics against PTI leaders and members, stressing that the party’s patience is running thin.
In a conversation with journalists inside Rawalpindi’s Adiala Jail, Khan stated, “We know who is behind the attack on Raoof Hasan. What happened to him proves that the system is being run through force.” He emphasized that the party is prepared to take to the streets over the issue, saying, “Our patience is running out, and we will protest in the streets.”
On Wednesday morning, Hasan was assaulted by a group of transgender individuals wielding a blade outside a private news channel in Islamabad. The PTI condemned the attack and demanded the formation of a judicial commission to investigate.
Imran Khan highlighted that the PTI has avoided protests due to the fragile state of the economy. However, he warned that any resulting damage would be the government’s responsibility. “We will not let the assembly and budget session proceed. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is saying that difficult decisions have to be made. Difficult decisions are made when the leader starts making sacrifices themselves,” he asserted.
Khan criticised Nawaz Sharif, Shehbaz Sharif, and Asif Ali Zardari, urging them to repatriate funds held abroad. “The nation has already sacrificed a lot, and now it will demand sacrifices from you first,” he added.
Responding to Nawaz Sharif’s recent claim about his conscience being swayed by a road to Bani Gala, Imran retorted that the road was funded by selling gifts from the Toshakhana.
Khan, who remains an iconic cricket figure, compared his upcoming Supreme Court appearance to a cricket match. The case, concerning amendments to the anti-corruption body’s laws, will be heard by a five-member bench led by Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa.
Imran Khan, convicted in three cases before the 8th February general elections, called for the live-streaming of all proceedings against him to ensure transparency. He declared, “They are welcome to initiate even high treason proceedings against me. I am prepared to face the gallows.”
