Imran Khan’s Message from Adiyala Jail: Fear, Floods, and the Fight for People’s Voice
Imran Khan’s Defiant Stand from Adiyala Jail
On September 5, 2025, former Prime Minister Imran Khan shared a powerful message with his family and lawyers from Adiyala Jail. Despite being in solitary confinement alongside his wife, he spoke about political oppression, the economic crisis, the devastation caused by floods, and the ongoing instability in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. His statement reflects not only his resilience but also his determination to keep advocating for the rights of the people.
“Oppression Born Out of Fear”
Imran Khan accused those in power of plundering the people’s mandate and intensifying oppression out of fear. He described how he and his wife are kept in solitary confinement and subjected to mental torture in an attempt to break his ideology.
Drawing a historical comparison, Khan likened the current situation to General Yahya Khan’s actions during the fall of Dhaka in 1971. He reminded the nation that Yahya’s use of fascist tactics to suppress people’s voices ultimately broke Pakistan, as documented in the Hamoodur Rahman Commission Report.
Khan alleged that Army Chief Asim Munir is following a similar path by weakening the country in order to extend his power. However, he emphasised a crucial difference:
“Unlike 1971, today the people are aware. Social media has exposed the truth, and the people now know how to stand for their rights.”
The Flood Crisis and Pakistan’s Economy
Khan turned his attention to the floods that have devastated Pakistan, washing away crops, livestock, and livelihoods. He explained that an already fragile economy now faces further destruction due to the collapse of the agricultural sector.
If free, he said he would have organized telethons and fundraising campaigns to aid flood victims, stressing that the government alone cannot manage this scale of disaster. He urged all citizens, without discrimination, to contribute towards relief efforts.
Furthermore, Khan called for large-scale tree plantation drives as an emergency measure to prevent future flood disasters. His remarks echoed his longstanding advocacy for environmental projects, including the Billion Tree Tsunami initiative.
Solidarity with Balochistan
Condemning a violent attack during the anniversary of Akhtar Mengal’s father, Khan expressed solidarity with the people of Balochistan. He criticised the federal government for not allowing true representatives of the province to govern.
He announced that the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) will fully participate in Mahmood Achakzai’s September 8 strike call, demanding an end to terrorism and the hybrid political environment in Balochistan.
Challenges in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
Imran Khan also addressed the growing crisis in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP). Khan alleged that an operation had been launched to undermine the PTI-led provincial government.
He directed Ali Amin Gandapur, the Chief Minister of KP, to resist these moves and stop operations that harm the province. He particularly highlighted the impact of drone strikes in tribal districts, insisting that the KP government must protect the lives and property of its citizens.
On Afghanistan and Humanitarian Responsibility
Expressing grief over the recent earthquake in Afghanistan, Khan condemned Pakistan’s policy of forcibly expelling Afghan refugees at a time when solidarity was needed. He called upon the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government to extend assistance to Afghan families in distress.
Conclusion: A Struggle Beyond Prison Walls
Imran Khan’s message from Adiala Jail paints a picture of a leader who remains defiant, vocal, and politically active despite isolation and pressure. His words tie together Pakistan’s pressing challenges—political oppression, natural disasters, economic collapse, and regional instability.
While he faces solitary confinement, his message shows he intends to remain at the centre of Pakistan’s political struggle. Whether his call for unity and resistance will reshape the country’s future remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: his voice continues to resonate throughout Pakistan.
