Founder of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Imran Khan Thursday criticised the government for failing to release him and other under-trial prisoners despite court orders, alleging that authorities are deliberately stalling his release to suppress dissent and protests, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.
Talking to the media in Adiala Jail, it was the first time the former prime minister confirmed that he was in talks with the authorities.
He revealed that his party representatives, including Ali Amin Gandapur and Barrister Gohar, had been approached to postpone their planned protest with assurances that issues would be resolved.
However, he claimed that his demand for the immediate release of political prisoners to demonstrate the government’s commitment to dialogue was ignored.
"The talks are ongoing, but it is clear they are not serious. Their sole intent is to delay the protest," he said. "The High Court granted me bail yesterday, yet the government missed a golden opportunity to release me, showing they are intent on prolonging the matter. The real power behind this move seeks to demonstrate they are above the law."
The PTI chief condemned what he described as politically motivated cases against him, saying, "New 60 cases were filed against him while he was in the jail, all while attempts are being made to build a façade of democracy. This is not justice; this is a mockery of the republic."
Calling for nationwide mobilization, he urged lawyers, judges, party workers, and civil society to take to the streets on November 24. He emphasized that the protest would also see record participation from overseas Pakistanis living in free societies. "We have no choice but to protest as a living nation," he declared, vowing that the demonstration would proceed regardless of government tactics.
He hinted at behind-the-scenes negotiations but questioned their seriousness, stating, "If they are sincere, they should release all arrested individuals. Political parties never close the door to dialogue, but there must be genuine intent to address grievances."
Drawing comparisons to legal proceedings involving other political figures, he criticized what he described as selective justice. "When Nawaz Sharif was granted relief, every procedure was expedited. Yet, despite securing bail in all major cases, I remain behind bars," he remarked.
The PTI leader reiterated his party’s commitment to peaceful protests while continuing to negotiate, but warned, "If the 26th constitutional amendment is fully implemented, there will be no relief from anywhere. It is now evident that I will not be released before November 24."
As the protest date approaches, the political temperature in Pakistan continues to rise, with the PTI founder signaling that his party is prepared to challenge the government on multiple fronts. The November 24 protest is being touted as a critical moment in the party's ongoing struggle against what it calls authoritarian overreach.