Former Prime Minister Imran Khan, currently detained in Adiala Jail, expressed hopes for neutrality from the recently elected U.S. President Donald Trump regarding his release and the internal political matters of Pakistan.
Speaking with journalists and lawyers, Khan noted his expectation that Trump will avoid intervention in Pakistan’s politics, contrasting with his view of former President Joe Biden’s alleged involvement, which he said leveraged Hussain Haqqani’s influence to support the former Pakistani military leadership against him.
Reflecting on his own leadership decisions, Khan admitted that his two major mistakes were extending former Army Chief General Bajwa’s tenure and opting for a coalition government instead of calling for fresh elections.
He stressed that true democracy requires not only elections but also an independent judiciary, rule of law, transparency, and accountability, otherwise even dictators conduct ‘elections’ in the country.
READ: Donald Trump pledges to secure borders, lawful immigration to US
“There is complete censorship in the media,” Khan said, alleging that his statements are rarely covered in media and that the Supreme Court has been co-opted by the government.
Khan further criticized recent legislative amendments, which he claimed were designed to limit the rights of Pakistan’s people and ensure the continuation of the “Form 47” government.
He pointed to the amendment extending the army chief’s tenure as a decision made without debate in Parliament, arguing that this was used to protect “a government that lacks public mandate.”
Urging his supporters to rally for democracy, Khan directed PTI’s leadership and ticket holders to actively participate in a protest movement against what he sees as authoritarian rule.
He also called on citizens to stand up for their rights and freedom, promising that those who fail to protest will lose their place in PTI.
“I would rather face any consequence, even military courts, than accept the suppression of this government,” Khan declared, highlighting the sacrifices of his family members in pursuit of his cause.
