Khan’s Call to Action
In a recent media talk at Adiala Jail on November 21, 2024, former Prime Minister Imran Khan issued “Khan’s Call to Action” for a protest on Sunday, November 24th, under any circumstances. He voiced his deep concerns about Pakistan’s current state, calling it a “banana republic” where someone has annihilated democracy, the constitution, and the rule of law. Khan emphasized the importance of this protest for the nation’s future, urging the Pakistani people to come out in support.
Democracy and the Rule of Law
Khan highlighted the devastating impact of the 26th Amendment, which he claims has rendered the High Courts and the Supreme Court as powerless as district courts, leaving citizens without any hope for justice. He stated, “Ever since the passage of the 26th Amendment, the High Courts and the Supreme Court have become as powerless as district courts, from where nobody can get any justice.”
Urgent Need for Protest
“Khan’s Call to Action” stressed the urgency of the upcoming protest, stating that it is essential for the future generations of Pakistan. He revealed that he had received a message offering to postpone the protest for ten days in exchange for negotiations. However, he insisted that the release of innocent political prisoners should have been the first step towards serious talks. “Our party leaders have been imprisoned in Lahore on fabricated charges for over a year-and-a-half. Releasing them would have been a positive step towards serious negotiations,” Khan explained.
Fabricated Charges and Continued Imprisonment
Khan shared his ordeal, mentioning that he has spent over a year in jail and that authorities have implicated him in more than sixty cases. Despite the High Court granting him bail, police arrested him again on another baseless charge. This, he argued, demonstrates the lack of seriousness from the authorities regarding negotiations.”Instead of the High Court releasing me yesterday after granting bail, another absurd case led to my arrest.”This shows that the powers-that-be are not serious about negotiations,” Khan stated.
Fundamental Right to Protest
Khan reiterated that protesting is a fundamental right and emphasized that both the protest and negotiations will continue. He outlined the three demands for which they are protesting and insisted that any progress in negotiations would require the release of all detained individuals. “If they are serious about negotiations, then all our prisoners who are currently awaiting trial must be released,” he asserted.
Economic Impact and Overseas Support
Khan also addressed the economic implications of the current political climate, noting that no one will invest in Pakistan without the rule of law. He highlighted the role of the Indian and Chinese diaspora in building their respective economies and questioned why overseas Pakistanis would invest in a country where there is no rule of law. “Overseas Pakistanis have known me for the past fifty years. Why would they invest here when they see that there is no rule of law in the country?” he asked.
Global Protests Against Oppression
“Khan’s Call to Action’’ extended beyond Pakistan; furthermore, he predicted that overseas Pakistanis would hold historic protests worldwide against fascism and oppression in Pakistan. He assured that, consequently, these protests would be free from police brutality, as they would take place in democratic countries. “You will see on Sunday that overseas Pakistanis will hold historic protests all over the world against the fascism and oppression in Pakistan. Moreover, they will not have to endure any police brutality because they live in free, democratic countries!” Khan declared.”
This expanded and professional rewrite captures the urgency and critical nature of the situation, emphasizing “Khan’s Call to Action” and the importance of unity and active participation from all PTI members and supporters.
