I will free the people or be martyred: IK

ISLAMABAD: In a defiant message from behind bars, Imran Khan, the founding chairman of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), declared on Saturday his unwavering commitment to the cause of people’s freedom, even at the cost of his life.

This statement was revealed by PTI Secretary General Salman Akram Raja at a press conference along with Asad Qaiser and Sheikh Waqas Akram, shortly after a special court sentenced Imran Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi, to 17 years in prison in the Toshakhana-2 case.

Directly referring to Khan’s brief interaction with his lawyer Salman Safdar ahead of the Toshakhana case inside the notorious Adiala Jail, Raja quoted Khan as saying, “I will bring the freedom of the people, or I am ready for martyrdom.”

KP CM condemns unjust imprisonment, isolation of IK, Bushra

“Khan has made it clear that he will not back down an inch from his stance,” Raja told reporters, adding that the former prime minister is currently being held in solitary confinement, which is not acceptable and is done nowhere in the world.

He also disclosed that a new trial in another fabricated case has been scheduled for Khan, but the proceedings will be conducted remotely, with the judges hearing the case via video link. This demonstrates how politically motivated cases are being decided against a popular leader, he lamented.

Furthermore, Khan’s family and even his legal team have been barred from attending the hearings, a decision Raja sharply criticized.

He denied government claims that Khan had access to meetings with his family and legal team, labeling such assertions as “complete lies.”

“Khan has said that the people must stand up for their rights. He believes that the judiciary has failed him,” he quoted Khan as saying.

“All doors of justice have been closed,” he said, his frustration with the legal system clear, stating that the PTI leader feels there is no further recourse within the courts.

In a direct call to action, Raja urged the masses to rise against what he described as an “unjust system.” “Khan stands with his nation despite all the hardships and bogus, fabricated cases,” he said, reaffirming Khan’s commitment to the cause of freedom, regardless of personal consequences.

The PTI’s stance was clear: it would not back down from its demand for justice. “Preparations for a street movement should begin,” Raja declared, indicating that the party is ready to escalate its protests against what it calls an illegal and unconstitutional sentence.

He also voiced concern over the detention of Khan’s wife, Bushra Bibi, who was jailed under what the party views as politically motivated charges, pointing out that Bibi’s imprisonment was directly linked to her association with Khan.

Raja also criticized the ruling system for widening the wealth gap, stating that the government was enriching the elite at the expense of ordinary citizens.

“We stand for values and principles, and we will not compromise on them under any circumstances,” he declared. PTI also announced plans to tour the country, urging lawyers to unite and advocate for justice.

Asad Qaiser, former Speaker of the National Assembly, emphasized that the only option left was resistance, which he said would be peaceful, democratic, and in line with constitutional principles. He added that PTI would continue its fight for justice for its founder.

PTI Central Information Secretary Sheikh Waqas Akram condemned the sentence, calling it politically motivated and unconstitutional.

He also criticized the handling of the verdict, noting that neither Khan’s lawyers nor his family were present when the ruling was announced. “This is open contempt of court, contempt of law, and contempt of justice,” he said.

The party argued that the sentence violated Pakistan’s constitution, criminal law, and double jeopardy principles, as it was a second conviction for the same charge.

PTI also expressed concern that the judiciary had become a tool for political engineering, rather than an independent body of justice.

Akram also pointed out the discrepancy in the treatment of Khan compared to other political figures, including Nawaz Sharif, Asif Zardari, and Maryam Nawaz, who PTI claims violated Toshakhana rules by unlawfully retaining luxury vehicles without facing similar consequences.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2025