Pakistan’s incarcerated former Prime Minister Imran Khan reiterated on Tuesday (August 27, 2024) that he holds the Army and the ISI responsible for his current situation and expressed concerns for his safety.
Khan, 71, who has been held at Adiala Jail since last year, also accused the current government of being intolerant to criticism, leading to a deterioration in law and order nationwide and the decline of Pakistan’s cricket team.
In a social media post from jail, Khan reiterated his claims of election rigging and emphasized the need for a government with a legitimate mandate to implement significant reforms.
“The ISI is controlling all administrative aspects of my imprisonment. I reiterate: if any harm comes to me, the Army Chief and DG ISI will be held accountable,” stated the founder of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party in a detailed post on social media.
Khan’s statements came shortly after the government of Pakistan suggested that his trial for incidents of violence on May 9 the previous year may be transferred to military courts.
“The violence and destruction on May 9 last year necessitated the application of the Army Act due to attacks on military installations,” explained Government spokesperson for legal affairs Barrister Aqeel Malik.
On May 9 last year, protests erupted following Khan’s arrest by paramilitary Rangers at the Islamabad High Court, leading to alleged vandalism of military installations and an attack on the Army headquarters in Rawalpindi.
Khan’s social media post also highlighted two assassination attempts on his life and described the challenging conditions he faces in jail, including concerns about food poisoning and poor living conditions.
The former cricketer criticized the government for its handling of various issues, including the deteriorating security situation and Pakistan’s recent cricket defeats.
Khan’s post emphasized the need for a government with a genuine mandate to address the country’s challenges and implement positive changes.
