ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan declared on Thursday that the public rally scheduled for September 21 in Lahore is a decisive moment for the party, urging both PTI supporters and the nation to stand firm regardless of the circumstances.
Speaking to reporters from Adiala Jail, the former prime minister, who has been imprisoned for 15 months, said he was prepared to stay behind bars even longer. He urged people not to fear imprisonment and to rally for their rights. “For 28 years, I’ve been guiding the party to adhere to the Constitution, which grants us the right to assemble. I call on the nation to come out for their future on September 21 in Lahore,” he said.
Imran warned that if the Supreme Court, the last institution people trust, is undermined, Pakistan risks becoming a “banana republic.” He criticized proposed constitutional amendments, stating they were introduced secretly and are now clearly aimed at damaging the Supreme Court, democracy, and ultimately, people’s freedom.
He also condemned the year-long detention of people without trial, while extensions are being granted to certain “umpires” through these amendments. Imran stressed that Pakistan’s future relies on investment, but said only overseas Pakistanis would invest in the country.
Imran also accused political rivals, Asif Ali Zardari and Nawaz Sharif, of hiding their wealth abroad, and alleged that during his government, the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) had recovered Rs480 billion, with Rs1,100 billion still to be recovered. He claimed that this recovery was halted by “NRO-2,” leaving NAB focused only on revenge. He further questioned the business dealings of Mohsin Naqvi, whom he accused of money laundering.
Meanwhile, Islamabad’s Special Accountability Court adjourned the hearing of the Al-Qadir Trust reference against Imran Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi, regarding a £190-million financial scandal. On Thursday, Imran’s lawyer completed the cross-examination of the last NAB witness, while Bushra Bibi’s lawyer is set to cross-examine the same witness today.
