Only rule of law can save Pakistan, says Imran Khan

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder and former premier Imran Khan emphasized that only the rule of law could save Pakistan and the Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) should establish it.

According to the 24NewsHD TV channel, Imran Khan talked informally to the media persons in Adiala Jail on Friday. He asserted that Pakistan's survival hinges on investment which will only come through the rule of law in the country.

Imran Khan mentioned that a judge from Sargodha informed the Lahore High Court (LHC) about pressure exerted on him by intelligence agencies, including cutting off his home’s gas supply. He added that PTI-supporting judges are under pressure, and those who attempt to deliver justice are being intimidated. Even the journalists who speak in favour of the PTI are being arrested.

"Our soldiers and police officers are being martyred daily. The ISI’s job is to protect our people but it is being used to dismantle his party, the PTI. [His party's secretary] Rauf Hasan was attacked and had his face cut, and Ali Zaman was tortured—all with the involvement of intelligence agencies," Imran Khan claimed.

Imran Khan called on the CJP [Justice Qazi Faez Isa] to enforce the rule of law, highlighting the interference in legal processes, including the destruction of PTI's party office. He saluted a judge from Sargodha, six judges from Islamabad High Court (IHC), and three judges from the Supreme Court (SC) for their courage to speak truth.

Discussing the budget, he pointed out that Pakistan needs to collect Rs13 trillion in revenue, out of which Rs9.8 trillion will go towards debt interest payments. To cover the budget deficit, the country will need to borrow Rs7.5 trillion. "Pakistan is sinking, and only investment driven by the rule of law can save it," he warned, noting that this year observed the lowest investment in 50 years. He also criticized the additional tax burden on salaried classes in the country.

Talking about the party metters, Imran Khan urged the PTI leaders to end internal divisions and unite. He warned, "This is a matter of life and death for Pakistan. I will not tolerate any grouping within the party and will take strict action."

Addressing the topic of negotiations with the government for getting political relief for the PTI, Imran Khan refuted claims that PTI is unwilling to negotiate. But he added, "When decisions are made by the 'Baray Sahab' (top authority), what’s the point of negotiations?

The PTI's founder said they engaged in talks with Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) on the Justice Bandial’s suggestion, but were told that the decision was made by the top authority, and elections won’t happen while Justice Bandial is in office. He added that politicians always opt for negotiations—we even negotiated with representatives during Musharraf’s era, not the government."

When asked by a journalist whether PTI wants the establishment to appoint a representative for negotiations, Imran Khan kept mum and walked away.

Reported: Irshad Qureshi