ISLAMABAD: Imran Khan, the former prime minister and founder of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), has penned a second open letter to Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Asim Munir, expressing dissatisfaction with the response to his previous letter.
He described the reply as “irresponsible and non-serious,” despite his sincere efforts to reach out for the betterment of the country.
In his letter, written on February 9, Imran highlighted his position as both the former prime minister and the leader of Pakistan’s most popular political party, which he claims is currently being targeted. He expressed regret that the response to his first open letter, sent on February 3, had failed to address his concerns in a meaningful manner.
Imran highlighted his lifetime commitment to the nation, stating, “My 55 years of public life since the 1970s and my 30 years of earnings are fully transparent. My life and death are solely tied to Pakistan.”
Imran claimed that 90pc of the public would have supported the six key points outlined in his first letter, had they been consulted. He criticised the prevailing political instability and the “might is right” policy, which he believes has contributed to the country’s economic decline.
The PTI chief also accused the state institutions of being used for political manipulation and revenge, asserting that the current government was installed through pre-poll and post-poll rigging. He further claimed that the 26th Constitutional Amendment was passed to control the judiciary, while the Pakistan Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) was introduced to suppress free speech, especially on social media. Imran warned that Pakistan’s GSP+ status could be at risk due to these actions.
In the letter, Imran also spoke about his personal treatment during incarceration, alleging that he had been subjected to 20 days of solitary confinement with limited access to sunlight. He claimed his exercise equipment, television, and even newspapers were confiscated, and his access to books restricted at the authorities’ discretion. He added that, in the past six months, he had only been allowed to speak with his sons three times. He also reiterated his dedication to the country and his unwavering commitment to Pakistan’s future.
Imran Khan raised concerns over the denial of access to his family and party members, despite judicial orders. He pointed out that his party’s members, who travel long distances to meet him, have been denied access, and that only a few individuals have been allowed to see him in the past six months. “Even my wife is not permitted to meet me, despite clear orders from the Islamabad High Court,” he added.
Imran also claimed that over 2,000 PTI workers, supporters, and leaders are still awaiting bail hearings, alleging that judges are deliberately delaying their cases. He asserted, “All my cases are being decided under pressure. I have been illegally given four sentences. The judges face such intense pressure to deliver judgments against me that one judge’s blood pressure rose fivefold, and he had to be admitted to the jail hospital. That judge told my lawyer there is severe pressure ‘from above’ to sentence both me and my wife.”
Reflecting on the events of May 9 and November 26, Imran wrote, “Our pro-democracy workers were subjected to extreme oppression and violence. Direct gunfire was used on peaceful citizens. Under the guise of political revenge, in the past three years, raids were carried out on the homes of millions of citizens; more than 20,000 of our workers and supporters were arrested, and hundreds were kidnapped and subjected to torture. Thousands of innocent people were kept in jails on false charges for many months.”
He said the treatment of women during this time has been particularly disgraceful. “In Pakistan’s history, the families of politicians have never been targeted in such a manner. This shows how low our morals have fallen,” he said.
Imran highlighted the suffering of elderly women and young girls, citing the example of his own family. “Dr Yasmin Rashid, who is a 75-year-old cancer patient, my two sisters, both over 65, my wife and hundreds of other women, have been unnecessarily shackled, and their dignity has been violated,” he stated.
He lamented the lack of respect for women, drawing comparisons to the teachings of Islam. “In the time of Prophet Mohammad (PBUH), women, the elderly, and children were never oppressed. Our religion commands that even in wartime, enemy women and children should not be mistreated, yet here, our own mothers, sisters, and daughters are being disrespected,” he concluded.