Former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan, the chief of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party, has urged the judiciary to take a firm stance against what he claims as the violation of people’s fundamental rights and the victimisation of PTI members. Khan’s appeal follows the mysterious removal of a senior PTI leader, Shehryar Afridi, from a high-security jail and his own alleged “virtual house arrest.”
The Alleged Victimisation
Imran Khan took to Twitter to express his concerns about the recent events in Pakistan, particularly the removal of Shehryar Afridi from Adiala Jail by unknown individuals. Khan described the incident as “completely illegal” and a manifestation of lawlessness and high-handedness in the country. He urged the judiciary to intervene and put an end to what he perceives as a “complete violation” of the fundamental rights of PTI members.
The Cipher Controversy
Khan also highlighted what he refers to as the “cipher controversy,” which he believes is an attempt to disqualify him from participating in upcoming general elections. He had previously accused the United States of orchestrating a plan to topple his government, and the leaking of national secrets, known as the “cipher case,” seems to be a part of this broader narrative. The Interior Minister’s warning to Khan regarding potential arrest adds to the political tension surrounding the case.
Repression and Phoney Cases
The former Prime Minister also raised concerns about the arrest of over 10,000 PTI workers after an attack on military installations and state buildings following his own arrest on a corruption case. Khan criticized what he sees as a “law of the jungle” in Pakistan, with his party leaders allegedly being re-arrested in phoney cases right after securing bail from the courts. He expressed disappointment at the silence of human rights organizations and journalists in response to these developments.
Conspiracy Allegations
In a YouTube address, Imran Khan accused Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Asif Ali Zardari of the Pakistan Peoples Party, and former army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa of conspiring to remove him from the office of Prime Minister in April 2022 through a no-confidence motion. Khan demanded a detailed inquiry into the “US cipher conspiracy,” questioning the competence of the Federal Investigation Agency to conduct a fair investigation.
Imran Khan’s appeal to the judiciary reflects the ongoing political tensions in Pakistan, with allegations of victimisation and repression of his party members. The “cipher controversy” and the broader political narrative add complexity to the situation, and a thorough and impartial investigation is required to address the allegations and restore trust in the country’s institutions.
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