Imran Khan, Chairman of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), conveyed a message from jail through his family, revealing a significant transformation since his arrest. Despite the initial challenges, Khan, now held in Adiala jail, stated he is “stronger and healthier” than ever. His message from October 10, shared on his official X (formerly Twitter) account today, detailed his adaptation to the prison environment.
Khan mentioned the difficulties of the initial days, with inadequate bedding and insect-infested cells. However, he has acclimated to these conditions and emphasized the stark contrast between his present self and the Imran Khan imprisoned on August 5. He described his enhanced strength and fitness on spiritual, mental, and physical levels.
During his incarceration, Khan engaged in introspection regarding his political journey and delved into a deep study of the Holy Quran and various other books.
Chairman Imran Khan's message to the people of Pakistan shared through his family on the 10th of October:
— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) October 12, 2023
“When I was illegally incarcerated in Attock Jail, the first few days were particularly challenging. I wasn’t provided a bed and had to sleep on the floor and had insects…
“Regardless of what prison they keep me in, whatever conditions they impose upon me, I will not back down even an inch from the quest of Haqeeqi Azadi, for the upholding of the rule of law and the Constitution of Pakistan, at the core of which is free and fair elections. To those suggesting that I leave the country, know that I will live and die with Pakistan, and I will not leave my land to go anywhere,” he added.
Discussing the cipher case, in which he is currently being tried, Khan said that the case was “designed to protect former Army Chief General Bajwa and Donald Lu [Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia Affairs]”.
It may be noted that the former prime minister has been claiming a “regime change” conspiracy backed by the United States to be behind the toppling of his government since 2022, the year he was ousted via a vote of no-confidence.
The controversy first emerged on March 27, 2022, when Khan — less than a month before his ouster in April last year — while addressing a public rally waved a letter before the crowd, claiming that it was a cipher from a foreign nation that had conspired with his political rivals to have PTI government overthrown.
He did not reveal the contents of the letter nor did he mention the name of the nation it came from. But a few days later, he accused the United States of conspiring against him and alleged that Donald Lu had sought his removal.
“I was the elected prime minister of the country. Treason was committed against me and my govt by General Bajwa, instead of investigating the foreign conspiracy in orchestrating a regime change, a case has been filed against me for informing the people of Pakistan, the real protectors of this country, about this treason,” he said in his message.
The PTI chief also said that the only thing that bothers him is that his supporters and workers are suffering for months in “illegal” imprisonment. He then called on the judiciary to provide justice and order the immediate release of the PTI workers.
Several PTI leaders and countless workers are currently imprisoned for their alleged involvement in the May 9 violence, the day violent mobs committed arson and ransacked government and military installations as a protest against Khan’s first arrest on the said date.
Besides that, Khan urged his supporters not to give up as “this time of trial will end”, referring to a verse of the Holy Quran that translates into “so, verily, with every difficulty, there is ease”.
“Keep raising your voice against this unelected predatory group and their facilitators at every forum and keep demanding a fair and transparent election in the country,” he added.
At the end of his message, Khan made a bold prediction that his supporters would come out in “huge numbers” on the day of the election to defeat all these parties combined.
It is worth mentioning that after his conviction in the Toshakhana case, Khan is no longer eligible for contesting in elections, while there are doubts as well about the PTI’s participation in the general elections which are expected at the beginning of next year.
“No matter how much these people cheat, their only destiny is defeat. Pakistan Zindabad,” the message concluded.
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