Khan's resolute stance comes amid a backdrop of arrests, alleged abductions, and widespread unrest, highlighting the growing tensions surrounding his pursuit of a better future for Pakistan and its people.
Imran Khan, the former prime minister of Pakistan, reaffirmed his unwavering commitment to upholding the rule of law in the country, asserting that he will persist in his fight for justice without making compromises or surrendering, even if faced with imprisonment. In a heartfelt address to the nation via YouTube on Sunday evening, Khan emphasized that his struggle is fueled by the vision of a brighter future for Pakistan and its people, as PTI Reported.
"I will neither make a deal nor surrender, even if they put me in jail. My relentless fight is for the rule of law and to pave the way for a better future for the people of my country," Khan declared firmly.
Seeking an extension to his pre-arrest bail in 19 cases, the 70-year-old leader of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party traveled from Lahore to Islamabad on Monday. Khan currently faces over 140 cases, primarily encompassing charges related to terrorism, incitement of violence, arson attacks, blasphemy, attempted murder, corruption, and fraud.
In a separate development, the police in Lahore arrested 30 PTI workers, including former national women's football star Shumaila Sattar, on Sunday as they attempted to meet Khan at his residence in Zaman Park, according to a police officer's statement on Monday. Sattar, who was a former member of the national women's football team, was taken into custody in connection with the attack on Corps Commander House in Lahore on May 9. The Lahore police utilized geo-fencing technology to identify her and subsequently remanded her in judicial custody.
Furthermore, Khan revealed that senior advocate Aziz Bhandhari, who had visited him at his Zaman Park residence, was allegedly abducted by unknown agencies. Bhandhari had filed a petition in the Supreme Court against the trial of civilians in military courts. Khan denounced these incidents, describing them as indicative of a "complete martial law in the country."
The re-arrest of 30 PTI workers under the public disorder act, after their release from jail in relation to the May 9 violence, has further heightened tensions. Following Khan's initial arrest inside the Islamabad High Court on May 9 by paramilitary personnel, widespread violence erupted across Pakistan. The ensuing protests led to the damage or destruction of over 20 military installations and state buildings, including the military headquarters in Rawalpindi. Law enforcement agencies reportedly arrested over 10,000 PTI party workers, predominantly from the province of Punjab.