ISLAMABAD: The embattled Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) on Wednesday sounded the alarm over reports indicating that former prime minister Imran Khan might be transferred to another prison, denouncing the potential transfer as a brazen display of the government’s escalating political insecurity and its desperate attempts to crush a formidable rival.
In a statement, PTI reiterated its unwavering stance that Khan, the party’s founder and figurehead, cannot be removed from the political arena, accusing the ruling government of fearing his influence despite having kept him imprisoned for over two years.
“Imran Khan’s voice cannot be silenced, nor can his bond with the people or his political relevance be severed,” the statement read, adding that any attempts to relocate Khan would be a futile effort to undermine his influence.
The remarks followed recent suggestions from government ministers that Khan might be moved to another detention facility. PTI characterised the reports as evidence of the government’s “deep-seated fear” of Khan’s continued prominence.
“Wherever Imran Khan is taken, his supporters – his sisters, party leaders, workers, and the people of Pakistan – will remain resolute in their commitment to him,” the statement continued, emphasising that Khan’s enduring connection with the masses could not be undone, regardless of the government’s actions.
PTI also condemned a “barbaric” police assault on Imran Khan’s family and supporters outside Adiala Jail late Tuesday night.
Khan’s sisters, Aleema Khan, Dr Uzma Khan, and Noreen Khan, along with party leaders, had gathered peacefully to meet the former prime minister, as per court orders.
PTI accused the government of using water cannons and physical force to disperse the crowd, calling it an abandonment of human rights.
Several party workers were injured in the clash, including PTI’s parliamentary leader, Shahid Khattak. Media coverage was also blocked. PTI called the incident a sign of the government’s growing authoritarianism and a reflection of its fear of Khan’s continued popularity.
The party described the attack on Khan’s family as part of a broader effort to silence dissent through intimidation and violence, labeling the government’s actions as “fascist” and vengeful.
Despite the ongoing repression, PTI vowed to continue its fight for democracy, human rights, and judicial independence, pledging to resist the government’s efforts to silence its leaders.
“No amount of state brutality will force us to capitulate,” the statement concluded. “We will continue our struggle with even greater determination.”
Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
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