Former Prime Minister and founding chairman of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), Imran Khan, has reiterated his willingness for talks while asserting that the establishment is unwilling to engage with the PTI, claiming they have been ‘red-lined.’
Speaking informally to reporters on the sidelines of the cypher case hearing at Adiala Jail, Khan expressed concern about the pace of his cases, suggesting they appear to be proceeding like a ‘fixed-match.’
He alleged that the PTI is facing obstacles in its election campaign, with candidates and workers being arrested. Khan placed the responsibility for these actions on the Supreme Court, urging Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa to take strict action, citing violations of Articles 15, 16, and 17 of the Constitution.
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Despite these challenges, Khan applauded PTI workers for protesting and launching the election campaign nationwide on Sunday.
In response to a question, the PTI founder expressed his readiness to negotiate with the establishment, though he claimed the establishment is unwilling.
Referring to the upcoming election, Khan stated that even a ‘Vigo Dala,’ a reference to a double-cabin vehicle used by security agencies, cannot secure a win for Nawaz Sharif.
He accused the authorities of preventing PTI unity, with candidates being picked up by the police while the Supreme Court demands evidence of alleged anti-PTI activities.
Khan emphasized that the protection of fundamental rights is the responsibility of the Supreme Court, despite his past distrust in the institution. Responding to a question about seeking help from a previously distrusted Supreme Court, he stated, “The Supreme Court belongs to the whole of Pakistan… they have discredited the entire election process.”
Reflecting on his tenure as prime minister, Khan claimed that former army chief Gen (retd) Qamar Javed Bajwa had pursued him to grant a National Reconciliation Ordinance (NRO) deal to political rivals, and retaliatory measures were taken when he refused.
Demanding the opportunity to hold a meeting in the parade ground before the election, Khan reiterated that PTI cannot be stopped. He referenced the Supreme Court’s verdict that deprived PTI of its iconic ‘bat’ symbol, stating, “Our electoral symbol has changed, not faith.”
Regarding the ongoing cypher case proceedings, Khan highlighted the importance of witnesses Asad Majeed and Sohail Mehmood, claiming that the trial is not open, and the court verdict in the cypher case may be imminent.
