ISLAMABAD (PEN) : Incarcerated Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan has expressed strong optimism about the upcoming rally in Lahore, scheduled for tomorrow (Saturday), describing it as a critical “do-or-die” moment for his party.
Despite potential obstacles from the government, Khan emphasized the importance of the public gathering in the heart of Punjab. Speaking to reporters from Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi on Thursday, he expressed confidence that the people would turn out for the rally, no matter the circumstances they face.
“I’ve been in jail for 15 months and am prepared to stay longer. People should not fear imprisonment,” he stated, reiterating his long-standing message to his party to adhere to the Constitution. “The Constitution grants us the right to assemble. I urge the nation to come out for their future on September 21 in Lahore. If the Supreme Court fails, Pakistan risks becoming a banana republic.”
Khan criticized the lack of thorough discussion regarding proposed constitutional amendments, suggesting that their late-night introduction reveals underlying motives. He warned that undermining the Supreme Court threatens democracy, which in turn jeopardizes freedom. “When freedom is lost, people become enslaved,” he added.
He highlighted the plight of individuals jailed without trial for over a year, contrasting this with the extended privileges given to influential figures through constitutional amendments. Khan stressed that Pakistan’s future relies on investment, emphasizing that only overseas Pakistanis would invest in their homeland.
He pointed out the past actions of leaders like Zardari and Nawaz Sharif, predicting they would flee again, given their wealth stashed abroad. “During our government, the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) collected Rs480 billion, and an additional Rs1,100 billion was targeted. Instead of accountability, we’ve seen NRO-2, leaving NAB to pursue vendettas,” he remarked.
Khan also questioned the financial sources of Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, alleging that he has five million dollars abroad and suggesting that Naqvi has justified money laundering.