31/05/2025
“Two years ago, I was asked to step aside for three years and allow the current system to function unchallenged. But I won’t stay silent even for three minutes at the behest of any Yazeed [tyrant].
I am being pressured to accept the 26th Constitutional Amendment, yet my entire struggle has been for the rule of law, and this amendment blatantly violates it.
They demand that I apologize for May 9th (2023). Yet those who owe the nation an apology are the ones who stole CCTV footage, dishonored women, desecrated homes, imprisoned thousands of political workers, and martyred innocent citizens. If even one hour of the May 9th cases were heard on merit, these baseless cases would collapse instantly. The tragedy here is not only the absence of justice, but that not even a semblance of justice is visible.
Nations do not perish under oppression. They are reborn through struggle. The Holy Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him) endured thirteen of the most difficult years but remained steadfast and was ultimately triumphant. Therefore, following in his footsteps, we too must stand firm as a nation and fight until the very end.
Peaceful protest becomes the only viable path when every door to justice is sealed shut. I call upon the entire nation, including Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, to prepare for a nationwide protest.
Rule of law is entirely suspended in Pakistan. Even the dignity of women is no longer secure. My wife, Bushra Bibi, has been in solitary confinement for 14 months over mere allegations of facilitation, without a single proven charge. Dr. Yasmin Rashid, a cancer survivor and an elderly woman, has been shamelessly jailed under false cases. My sisters, aged between 65 and 70, visit me in jail under High Court orders, which is a basic right, but a Colonel obstructs them, flouting court directives with impunity. My sisters are abducted and abandoned in remote areas in the dead of night. A nation that treats its own women this way has lost its moral compass. When Maryam Nawaz was found guilty of owning five undisclosed flats in London, her bail was granted within two months, because the Sharif family had agreed to a deal. Anyone who bows before tyranny gets absolved of all charges, while those who stand on principle are punished without cause.
No foreign investment has come into Pakistan for two years because the world knows that the law here is trampled under a Colonel’s boot. Without investment, there can neither be no economic stability nor development. Investor confidence will remain non-existent as long as judicial orders remain subject to a Colonel’s whims.
The entire nation now looks to the judiciary for justice yet the 26th Amendment has crippled the judiciary.
There are two motives behind this amendment: The first is to protect a rigged election. And secondly, to keep me, PTI leadership, and its workers incarcerated, violating basic human rights without fear of accountability.
There are two direct consequences of this Amendment:
1- The judiciary has entirely surrendered to the executive. The Supreme Court has authorized military courts in direct contradiction of Article 175(3) of the Constitution, which mandates a separation of powers. Special benches are being formed to sn**ch reserved seats from PTI despite the people voting for us. These seats are being handed to other parties in complete violation of the Constitution.
2- The judiciary is so paralyzed that even High Courts and judges cannot assign cases of their own volition. As a result, I am being denied justice. Sometimes benches for my cases remain incomplete, while hearings are arbitrarily delayed at other times. My cases are deliberately kept in limbo. Even my basic rights under jail regulations are denied—I am not allowed to speak to my children, scheduled meetings with my wife are cancelled, and even my books are withheld. All of this is designed to break my spirit.
Previously, fascism was being imposed through Qazi Faez Isa. Now, tyranny is being protected via the 26th Amendment. If the judiciary does not stand on the right side of history today, it too will be remembered as traitors to justice alongside Justice Munir and Qazi Faez Isa.
I direct Salman Akram Raja to formally write to the Chief Justices of the Supreme Court and High Courts on my behalf, regarding the violations of human rights, abuse of women, the unconstitutional 26th Amendment, and repeated contempt of court by military officers. It is now upon the judges to restore justice and stand on the right side of history.
The Sharif family has a history of negotiating NROs. They have done it twice before and are now clinging to power by stealing elections. No matter what formula they apply, be it SIFC or any other commission, they cannot take this country forward. A nation only progresses when it is free and led by morally upright leaders.
I urge everyone to participate actively in the Sambaryal election. Your most powerful weapon is your vote. Use it to challenge this oppressive system. They have most likely orchestrated an election theft plan, but you must remain vigilant. Exit polling stations only after you have Forms 45 in your hand and do not leave the RO office until Form 47 is obtained. We must become a wall against electoral fraud and show this regime how popular it actually is.
I instruct that Aliya Hamza and the four regional presidents be included in the Punjab reorganization committee. There should be no convener. Instead, everyone must work collaboratively and equally.
Wars are fought against external forces. I urge all party members and social media to not target fellow members. Continued in-fighting only harms our cause. We must stay focused on resisting the fascist forces and ending this long reign of tyranny.
My exclusive message to Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf is that no one should shy away from sacrifice. If I, along with hundreds of party workers and leaders, can endure prison, then so can you. Office bearers must now decide whether they are ready to fulfill their responsibilities. Any inactive member will be dismissed. We must all contribute our share of sacrifice to rid this country of darkness.”
- Former Prime Minister Imran Khan, in conversation with lawyers, media representatives, and party workers inside Adiala Jail, Rawalpindi
- May 29, 2025
