Terrorism, Judiciary, and Betrayal: Khan’s Address

Terrorism, Judiciary, and Betrayal: Khan’s Address from Adiyala Jail

During his media talk from Adiyala Jail on September 13, 2024, former Prime Minister Imran Khan delivered a powerful critique of Pakistan’s current political landscape, drawing historical parallels and addressing issues surrounding terrorism, the judiciary, and alleged betrayals by the establishment.

Terrorism, Judiciary, and Betrayal: Khan’s Critique of the System

Khan linked the current situation in Pakistan to the era of General Yahya Khan, claiming, “We are witnessing Yahya Khan Part-2 in the country. Gen Yahya Khan launched an operation against the nation’s largest political party. Yahya Khan Part-2 is destroying the country’s institutions.” He further criticized the judicial leadership, saying, “Sikandar Sultan Raja throws the ball, Qazi Faez Isa is standing in one slip, and Amir Farooq is in the other slip. This is what we are facing.”

Judiciary and Political Interference

Addressing the erosion of trust in Pakistan’s judicial system, Khan expressed concerns over the politicization of judicial decisions. “People have lost trust in the police and lower judiciary. A judge recently took three hours to receive instructions before deciding against Bushra Bibi. She is in prison only because of one man’s ego,” he remarked, emphasizing the personal vendettas affecting judicial outcomes.

Khan further alleged that the judiciary is under attack, criticizing the recent extension granted to Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa. “Nawaz Sharif first attacked the Supreme Court with sticks, and now they’re attacking the court by giving extensions to Qazi Faez Isa,” he asserted.

Terrorism and the Federal Government’s Role

Focusing on the issue of terrorism, Khan accused the federal government of failing to address cross-border threats. He supported PTI leader Ali Amin Gandapur’s stance on dialogue with Afghanistan, stating, “The federal government should go and beg at Ali Amin’s feet, and ask him, ‘For God’s sake, please go and talk to Afghanistan for us.’”

Khan added that Pakistan’s economy is at risk if terrorism persists. “If terrorism is not eradicated, our economy will choke. It’s the federal government’s responsibility to stop cross-border terrorism,” he warned, adding that during PTI’s tenure, Pakistan experienced the lowest levels of terrorism.

Diplomacy with Afghanistan

Khan highlighted the importance of improving relations with Afghanistan to ensure regional peace, criticizing the foreign policy of his political rivals. “When Bilawal was Foreign Minister, he never went to Afghanistan. During Nawaz Sharif’s tenure, Pervez Khattak was sent to Afghanistan. I support Ali Amin Gandapur’s stance; he is absolutely right regarding Afghanistan,” he said, pointing out his efforts to engage with Afghanistan, even during the anti-Pakistan government of Ashraf Ghani.

The Betrayal of September 8

On the topic of betrayal, Khan recounted a message conveyed to him while in prison, allegedly from the establishment, urging him to postpone a rally for the sake of the country. Specifically, “The establishment provided the date of September 8 and assured that all facilities would be provided. However, what happened to us on September 8 was the biggest betrayal possible,” he declared.”

Khan concluded with a warning, urging the powers that be not to “play with fire,” and emphasized that PTI remains the only federal party capable of keeping Pakistan united.