In a startling turn of events, an alleged audio leak has surfaced featuring former prime minister and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman, Imran Khan, pleading with US Congresswoman Maxine Moore Waters for intervention against an ongoing crackdown on his party. The leaked audio, which emerged on social media, captures Khan requesting Congresswoman Waters to raise her voice against what he describes as “human rights violations” in Pakistan.
During the 1.57-minute audio clip, Khan is heard discussing his removal from power and the subsequent crackdown on his party members. He alleges that his government was ousted by the ex-army chief, General Qamar Javed Bajwa, in collusion with the current power-holders, claiming that he had received three bullets in an assassination attempt. Khan asserts that the military establishment holds significant influence in Pakistan, and its actions led to his government’s downfall.
Expressing concern over the situation, Khan describes the crackdown on his party as the most severe in the history of democratic parties in Pakistan. He appeals to Congresswoman Waters to issue a statement in support of the PTI, emphasizing the need for the rule of law, the Constitution, and the protection of fundamental rights. He believes that Waters’ statement would make a substantial impact, stating, “When someone like you Maxine speaks up, it makes a lot of waves.”
The leaked audio comes in the midst of an ongoing crackdown on PTI workers and leaders, prompted by violent protests following Imran Khan’s arrest on graft charges. The PTI leader was taken into custody on May 9, triggering widespread demonstrations that allegedly led to the ransacking and torching of public and military installations across the country. The riots resulted in the deaths of at least 10 people and numerous injuries.
Both the civil and military leadership of Pakistan condemned the violence, describing it as a “black chapter” in the nation’s history. They pledged to try the rioters under the Army Act and other relevant laws. However, Imran Khan has distanced his party from the attacks on defense and government buildings, calling for an independent judicial commission to investigate the vandalism.
The emergence of the audio leak has further intensified the political landscape in Pakistan, with opposition parties criticizing Imran Khan for seeking intervention from foreign lawmakers. The leaked conversation has raised questions about the PTI’s approach to dealing with domestic issues and has fueled debates about the role of external actors in Pakistan’s political affairs.
It is important to note that the authenticity of the audio clip has not been officially confirmed. However, its release has sparked a heated debate within the country, with supporters and detractors of Imran Khan expressing divergent opinions.
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As the situation unfolds, the Pakistani public awaits further developments and official statements regarding the audio leak. The outcome of this revelation and its potential impact on domestic politics will undoubtedly shape the future trajectory of Imran Khan’s PTI and its relations with foreign entities.
