ISLAMABAD – Former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan had a message for Donald Trump, hoping for a neutral Stance amid Pakistan’s political crisis.
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf founder – who earlier called out Washington for bedding in Pakistani politics – denounced the incumbent government in fiery statement made from his prison cell at Adiala Jail. Khan accused the ruling authorities of undermining democracy, suppressing dissent, and manipulating the country’s judicial and political systems to maintain power.
Speaking with journalists and his legal team, the former premier extended warm wishes for US President elect Donald Trump on his announcement to run for president again, hoping that Trump would stay neutral in comparison to President Joe Biden, whom Khan claimed was involved in a lobbying campaign against him.
Imran said his release from prison should be a matter for Pakistan to resolve, rather than external intervention. Reflecting on his own leadership, he admitted to two key mistakes during his tenure as prime minister, first extending tenure of then COAS Bajwa and failing to call for fresh elections.
Firing fresh salvo, Khan slammed the government for suppressing fundamental democratic principles of free elections, an independent judiciary, and the rule of law. He also warned that while elections are necessary, they alone do not constitute democracy if the process is not free and fair.
Constitutional amendments had been used to allow government to control the Supreme Court and the electoral process, he said, pointing to the Chief Election Commissioner and Justice Qazi Faez Isa, accusing them of colluding to defeat PTI and deny the party its rightful mandate.
Imran Khan’s supporters pin hopes on Trump’s election victory for ‘release of PTI founder’
