In a recent interview with a foreign TV channel, Imran Khan, the Chairman of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), expressed serious concerns over the current state of democracy in Pakistan, calling it “an all-time low.” Khan, who was recently released on bail, put his faith in the judiciary, stating that it is the “only hope” for restoring the rights and freedoms of the people.
Imran Khan, a former prime minister whose government was ousted following a vote of no-confidence in Parliament last year, also spoke about the violation of fundamental rights in the country, which he claimed had reached unprecedented levels. He spoke about his own experiences of being taken into custody, describing how the police had raided his residence on two occasions, including one where they forcefully broke down the doors of his house in front of his wife. He described the situation as “unprecedented and unsettling.”
Khan emphasized the deteriorating condition of democracy in Pakistan, highlighting the approximately 150 cases lodged against him, which he claimed had not been filed against any other politicians in the country. He accused the government of fearing elections and said they believed they would face significant defeat in the polls.
Khan also revealed that there had been two assassination attempts on his life, raising concerns about his safety and security. He claimed that the ruling coalition was only willing to hold elections if he was incarcerated or killed.
When questioned about the incidents of violence during protests by his party workers after his arrest on May 9, Khan promptly condemned all forms of violence. He recounted the moment of confusion during his arrest, where he mistook individuals resembling commandos for his security detail, only to realize they were after him. He expressed dismay at the brutal treatment by everyone involved, stating that the excessive force used during the arrest left a lasting impression on him.
Despite the challenges he has faced, Khan displayed unwavering determination and readiness to face imprisonment once again, stating that he is “ready to go to jail again.” He called for the restoration of democracy in Pakistan and emphasized the need for the judiciary to play a crucial role in this process.
In conclusion, Imran Khan’s interview sheds light on the fragile state of democracy in Pakistan and the challenges faced by opposition leaders. It highlights the need for the judiciary to play a crucial role in restoring the rights and freedoms of the people and ensuring a fair and transparent electoral process. The situation remains tense, and further developments are expected in the coming days.