Imran Khan, former Prime Minister of Pakistan, has issued a strong statement regarding his political rally in Lahore. Speaking from Adiyala Jail on September 20, 2024, Khan warned that if permission for the rally is not granted, it will be transformed into a large-scale protest. “It’s a ‘Do & Die’ situation,” he stated, emphasizing that if the government attempts to stop them, the entire nation will mobilize in protest at Minar-e-Pakistan. Imran Khan warns of protests against any efforts to suppress his party’s activities.
Comparisons with Past Regimes
Drawing parallels with historical events, Khan referred to the Hamoodur Rahman Commission Report, expressing concern that the current political climate resembles the prelude to the 1971 crisis. “The country’s situation today is worse than during the regimes of Musharraf and Zia-ul-Haq,” he said. He compared the current ruling elite to past regimes, accusing them of undermining democracy and the judiciary to cling to power, similar to Yahya Khan’s actions against Mujibur Rahman in 1971. Imran Khan warns of protest as he critiques how today’s leaders are handling the nation’s political and democratic integrity.
Accusations of Election Rigging
Imran Khan also voiced serious concerns about election interference, accusing the Chief Election Commissioner and Justice Qazi Faez Isa of collusion. “The Election Commission delivers the ball, and Qazi Faez catches it,” he alleged, claiming that a coordinated effort is underway to rig the upcoming elections in favour of a small ruling elite. He further expressed his frustration, stating that others consistently reject his party’s petitions while giving priority to the opposition. This ongoing manipulation has prompted Imran Khan to warn of protests on a national level if these actions continue unchecked.
Call for Democracy and Rally Rights
Khan emphasized the importance of holding rallies as a constitutional right, reiterating his commitment to democracy and highlighting the unfortunate suppression of this fundamental right.
He criticized, furthermore, the restrictions imposed on his party’s gatherings before the February elections and now again in Lahore. “Destroying democracy means, in essence, ending freedom,” Khan declared, warning that, indeed, curbing democratic rights could have far-reaching consequences. In addition, Imran Khan warns of protest should the government continue to hinder peaceful political rallies, urging, therefore, the Supreme Court to protect the rights of the people to free speech and assembly.”
A Final Warning
“Khan concluded his media talk with a direct warning to government officials. Specifically, if permission for the Lahore rally is not granted, “We will protest at Minar-e-Pakistan,” he affirmed. Moreover, Khan also criticized Justice Isa, claiming that Isa harbours bias against him and urging that he recuse himself from cases involving Khan’s political movement. In this high-stakes situation, consequently, Imran Khan’s warning of protest looms large over the political landscape as he continues to push back against what he perceives as efforts to stifle his party and its support base.”
