PTI founder calls for peaceful resistance, says movement will go on regardless of support
The imprisoned founder of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), Imran Khan, has issued a blunt ultimatum to his party’s leadership: either stand firm in the face of pressure or leave the party altogether, according to PTI’s legal spokesperson Naeem Haider Panjutha.
Speaking to reporters outside Adiala Jail on Saturday, Panjutha claimed the judiciary has become completely subservient to the government and that the goals behind the 26th Constitutional Amendment are now evident, as PTI leaders and supporters face convictions and disqualifications.
Regarding the day’s proceedings in the Toshakhana 2 case, Panjutha noted that although the hearing was scheduled inside Adiala Jail, it could not take place as planned. “Only some legal representatives were allowed to attend, while others were kept out. Consequently, no significant proceedings occurred,” he said. He added that former first lady Bushra Bibi boycotted the hearing in protest.
Panjutha shared Imran’s remarks from the meeting, quoting him as saying: “Truth always prevails, and falsehood eventually fails.” Imran further alleged that Anti-Terrorism Court judges and other officials were colluding with the government and withholding CCTV footage from the events of May 9.
As further evidence of what he called a campaign to eliminate PTI lawmakers, Panjutha cited the recent sentencing of MNA Latif Chitrali. “If prominent leaders like Yasmin Rashid and Shah Mahmood Qureshi were to quit the party today, they would be released,” he suggested.
Drawing historical comparisons, Panjutha accused former chief justice Saqib Nisar of playing a role similar to that of Justice Munir, undermining the independence of the judiciary. He also criticised the appeals process for electoral disqualifications, saying it is being overseen by the same Election Commission officials who allegedly engaged in rigging.
Panjutha said Imran has instructed PTI to adopt a strategy of peaceful resistance, rejecting any form of violence. “The chairman has made it clear: no more bullets. Our protests will now be completely peaceful,” he said. “He will personally lead this movement from his prison cell, as all other democratic avenues have been closed.”
According to Panjutha, Imran sees himself as a prisoner in the struggle for “Haqiqi Azadi” (true freedom). He added that PTI’s protest movement will invite all political forces that support human rights to join, but he made clear that the movement will continue regardless of outside participation.
