Imran Khan sticks by peaceful protest call
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Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf founder Imran Khan has said he is firm on his peaceful protest call before May 9, 24NewsHD TV channel reported on Monday.
Talking to the media at Adiala Jail, he said his previous statement was misinterpreted.
He added: “My statement was presented as if I confessed or pleaded guilty to the events of May 9.
Clarifying his position, the former prime minister mentioned that he had repeatedly stated his intentions on various platforms, including three vlogs and twelve police interrogations. "I made it clear that if the military or Rangers arrested me, my party should peacefully protest outside GHQ and cantonments," he said.
The chairman disclosed that there were attempts on his life, notably on March 14th at his residence and on March 18th outside the Judicial Complex.
"I have evidence that there was a plan to assassinate me on March 18th," he claimed.
Imran Khan questioned the motive behind the non-release of CCTV footage, asserting that the footage would prove the innocence of his party members.
To a question, he replied, "The protest was not peaceful because there was a premeditated plan against us."
He accused authorities of not releasing the CCTV footage because it would reveal faces other than PTI members.
"I am taking the theft of the May 9th CCTV footage to court," he announced.
The PTI chairman also criticized the government's crackdown on social media, noting the arrest of a 75-year-old cancer survivor, Raoof Hassan.
The former prime minister also condemned the government's attempts to link public voices to digital terrorism and urged them to respect democratic freedom of speech.
Addressing allegations of incitement against state institutions, he distinguished between constructive criticism and attacks. "During our government, no journalist was forced to leave the country or was killed.”
Criticism is essential for the health of any institution," he argued.
PTI founder expressed his support for the judicial commission investigating these matters and insisted that the government is using the military to undermine PTI.
He highlighted the current government's deteriorating credibility after the recent budget and emphasized that social media is the voice of the democratic public.
"Without criticism, institutions will collapse," he said, refuting accusations of hypocrisy by explaining his past statements about the military needing to remain apolitical.
Responding to queries about the army chief's role in recent events, he maintained that the establishment's influence was behind the obstacles his party faced, including the sudden dismissal of corruption cases against Nawaz Sharif.
Toa question, he said, "Neutral doesn't mean animal, it means apolitical. I meant to say the army is non-partisan."
Imran Khan dismissed negotiating with the current government, citing past failed attempts.
"What they are doing is benefiting our party," he asserted.
He also praised Jamaat-e-Islami for their stance against inflation and electricity bills.
He announced plans for a significant rally on August 5th at the KP and Punjab, stating that it was necessary to demonstrate the party's strength without causing national unrest.
"We will show the nation which party has the real power," he mentioned.
Reporter: Irshad Qurashi