ISLAMABAD: Incarcerated former PM Imran Khan has called the proceedings against him in the missing US cipher case a “scheme” aimed at shielding ex-army chief Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa and US diplomat Donald Lu for alleged involvement in a purported conspiracy of regime change in Pakistan.
In his first message from the prison shared by his Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party on X (formerly Twitter), Imran described himself as “stronger, fitter than ever before” while writing about the cipher case. Lu, the US diplomat, is assistant secretary of state for South and Central Asia Affairs.
“I was elected PM. Treason was committed against me and my government by (retired) Gen 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,” Imran wrote.
A special court announced last week that it will indict Imran and ex-foreign minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi on October 17 in the cipher case. The allegations relate to leak of classified diplomatic communication between US and Pakistan about a purported conspiracy to topple the Imran-led government in April 2022.
Imran was initially imprisoned following his conviction in Toshakhana case, pertaining to alleged concealment of foreign gifts received as PM. After his sentence in this case was suspended by the high court, he was jailed in the cipher case. He was moved from Attock jail to Adiala jail in Rawalpindi earlier this month.
“Regardless of which 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 (real freedom)” for the upholding of the rule of law and the Constitution of Pakistan, at the core of which is free and fair elections,” Imran wrote.
In a bid to boost his supporters’ morale, Imran said that those suggesting he should leave the country must know that “I will live and die in Pakistan”. “I will not leave my land to go anywhere.”
“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 and mosquitoes all over me. But with time I have adjusted well to the prison conditions,” Imran said.
The former PM then delivered his clincher lines. “There’s a world of difference between the Imran Khan of today and the one who was imprisoned on August 5, as today I am stronger and fitter; spiritually, mentally and physically than ever before,” he wrote.
The PTI chairman went on to say that during his time in jail, he has had the opportunity to study and research the Holy Quran in depth, along with other books, which has strengthened his faith. Also, he has been able to introspect the last few years of his political life.
He urged the nation not to lose hope, assuring that this trial will pass and whenever elections are held, the only outcome will be defeat for the “unelected predatory group (interim national and provincial governments) and their enablers (top military authorities)”.
In his first message from the prison shared by his Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party on X (formerly Twitter), Imran described himself as “stronger, fitter than ever before” while writing about the cipher case. Lu, the US diplomat, is assistant secretary of state for South and Central Asia Affairs.
“I was elected PM. Treason was committed against me and my government by (retired) Gen 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,” Imran wrote.
A special court announced last week that it will indict Imran and ex-foreign minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi on October 17 in the cipher case. The allegations relate to leak of classified diplomatic communication between US and Pakistan about a purported conspiracy to topple the Imran-led government in April 2022.
Imran was initially imprisoned following his conviction in Toshakhana case, pertaining to alleged concealment of foreign gifts received as PM. After his sentence in this case was suspended by the high court, he was jailed in the cipher case. He was moved from Attock jail to Adiala jail in Rawalpindi earlier this month.
“Regardless of which 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 (real freedom)” for the upholding of the rule of law and the Constitution of Pakistan, at the core of which is free and fair elections,” Imran wrote.
In a bid to boost his supporters’ morale, Imran said that those suggesting he should leave the country must know that “I will live and die in Pakistan”. “I will not leave my land to go anywhere.”
“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 and mosquitoes all over me. But with time I have adjusted well to the prison conditions,” Imran said.
The former PM then delivered his clincher lines. “There’s a world of difference between the Imran Khan of today and the one who was imprisoned on August 5, as today I am stronger and fitter; spiritually, mentally and physically than ever before,” he wrote.
The PTI chairman went on to say that during his time in jail, he has had the opportunity to study and research the Holy Quran in depth, along with other books, which has strengthened his faith. Also, he has been able to introspect the last few years of his political life.
He urged the nation not to lose hope, assuring that this trial will pass and whenever elections are held, the only outcome will be defeat for the “unelected predatory group (interim national and provincial governments) and their enablers (top military authorities)”.