Embattled Imran says he will not resist 'lawful action' by institutions
Pakistan
Khan also tweets probably his last tweet before arrest
LAHORE (Web Desk) - Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chief Imran Khan on Wednesday said he would not resist lawful action by law-enforcement agencies while claiming that police had surrounded his Zaman Park residence.
His statement comes in the wake of Punjab interim government's 24-hour ultimatum to the PTI to hand over "30-40 terrorists residing inside Zaman Park".
Addressing via video link, he said he would not pose resistance if police came with search warrants. "I have heard that I have 'given refuge' to 40 terrorists in my home," he added. He invited the authorities to come to his residence in a civilised manner and refrain from assaulting his home.
He said he would give access to the residence to see if any terrorist had been residing there. "But don't make it an excuse to launch a crackdown on the PTI," he added.
The PTI chief said he defended the military when it faced criticism. In a tweet, he claimed it could be his "last message" before his arrest.
— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) May 17, 2023
Mr Khan went on to say he never liked slavery throughout his life. He mentioned he spent 27 years of his life to bring about change in the country and warned of dire consequences if wisdom was not used to settle the crisis.
The former premier also publicised a survey reflecting that the PTI got 70pc popular support which, according to him, was the reason for his opponents' attempts to stop him at every cost. The PTI leader, however, made it clear that he did not like to interfere with other institutions' affairs.
Media invited to Imran's residence ahead of his possible arrest
Meanwhile, the PTI invited the media in the presence of Punjab police (no more than four people) to Mr Khan's residence to "see and let people see the reality".
— PTI (@PTIofficial) May 17, 2023
PTI calls off Muridke rally
Amid all this, the PTI also called off its Muridke's rally that Mr Khan had called on Thursday. PTI's planned public gathering in Muridke has been cancelled after failing to obtain the required permission.
Umar Aftab Dhillon, a prominent PTI leader, made this announcement on Wednesday, emphasising the party's commitment to adhering to the law rather than engaging in confrontation.
He emphasised that PTI, as a law-abiding political party, respects the rule of law and will not engage in any activities that may disrupt public peace or violate legal requirements.
According to PTI leader, police took the initiative to confiscate the containers set up for the gathering. Additionally, the local law enforcement authorities called for reinforcement from the Muridke-Sheikhupura district police.
