Former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Tuesday evening told his supporters camping in Islamabad to “fight till the last ball and not back down”.
Khan said in a message, “I salute the people of Pakistan and the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf activists who are standing up for their rights, participating in peaceful protests and demanding true freedom and justice for our Bravely confronting the mafia imposed on the country.” From Rawalpindi’s Adiala Jail where he is imprisoned in several cases since August 2023.
He said, “To my team, my message is clear: fight till the last ball. We will not back down until our demands are met.” They will hold peaceful protests and will not stop until their demands are met.
The 72-year-old former prime minister issued a “final call” on 13 November for nationwide protests on 24 November, condemning what he called a stolen mandate, unjust arrests of people and the passage of the 26th Amendment, which he said . Consolidated a “dictatorial regime”.
The PTI supreme leader also revealed that he was threatened with trial in a military court.
Khan said, “My clear message to those who are threatening to prosecute me in military courts is: do whatever you want, I will not deviate from my stand.”
Khan further said that on the orders of Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, the Rangers and police opened fire and opened fire on PTI workers, killing and injuring peaceful civilians.
“Naqvi will be held accountable for this. Despite the brutality, our people not only remained peaceful but also helped rescue the injured police and Rangers personnel who attacked them,” he said.
The former prime minister also thanked Pakistanis living abroad who are garnering support, sending money and organizing historic protests in their respective countries.
Khan said, “To our social media warriors around the world, keep amplifying our demands and highlighting the injustices happening in Pakistan. Your efforts are vital in keeping the world informed.”
Meanwhile, Naqvi said that there will be no talks with the protesters and the government will clear Islamabad of them.
Khan’s supporters stormed the center of Pakistan’s capital after clashing with police on Tuesday, leaving six security personnel dead and dozens injured.
TV channels showed footage of Khan’s supporters facing tear gas and climbing on shipping containers placed on the roads leading to D-Chowk, which is located close to several important government buildings: the Presidency, the PM’s office, Parliament and the Supreme Court. .
Top PTI leaders, who led the protesters to Islamabad from other parts of the country, have vowed to stay in the city until Khan is released from jail.
Meanwhile, a case was registered against the former prime minister and other PTI leaders under the Anti-Terrorism Act over their alleged role in the killing of a police officer during a protest march, it emerged on Tuesday.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
