Incarcerated Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founding chairman Imran Khan has urged Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Qazi Faez Isa to recuse himself from all cases related to him, citing a statement made by the judge’s wife against him.
During an informal conversation with journalists at Adiala jail, Khan remarked, “The judge’s wife has made a statement against me, so he should separate himself from our cases.” He further expressed his belief that a divide exists between those who uphold democracy and respect votes, and those who prioritize power.
Khan accused CJP Isa of being a direct beneficiary of constitutional amendments, suggesting that he is seeking an extension and has taken on all election-related cases himself. He claimed that both the Chief Justice and the Chief Election Commissioner are conspiring to commit fraud.
On the government’s refusal to permit a PTI rally in Lahore, Khan stated that such a denial would transform the planned rally into a protest. “If the rally is stopped, the entire nation will protest at Minar-e-Pakistan,” he declared, emphasizing that the right to rally is constitutionally protected.
He criticized the government for blocking the rally at Minar-e-Pakistan, asserting that it aims to protect democracy and freedom, and claimed the Supreme Court supports the gathering. Despite assurances, he noted that obstacles had been placed to disrupt the rally in Islamabad.
Khan further reflected on the past, arguing that even during former President Musharraf’s martial law, political rallies were allowed, asserting, “Musharraf’s elections were more free and fair compared to what we are experiencing now.”
Addressing the refusal of rally permits, he remarked that while other requests are being accepted, PTI’s are being denied, suggesting an investigation into the Deputy Commissioner’s statements was warranted.
Khan concluded by stating that the nation stands united against a ruling class that he believes is undermining democracy, asserting that the current conditions in Pakistan are worse than during the regimes of Musharraf and Zia-ul-Haq.
