Embattled Imran's stirring call to the masses
Pakistan
‘Now or never’: Imran asks people to stand up for their rights
LAHORE (Dunya News) – Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chairman Imran Khan on Thursday launched a fresh salvo at his political opponents and asked the nation to stand up for its rights.
Taking to Twitter, the ousted prime minister slammed the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM), saying, "A gang of thugs and criminals is dominating the country".
He lamented, "Amidst the deep economic woes and challenges faced by rising unemployment, the rulers are using their power to eliminate the country's leading political party through a fascist approach."
— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) May 18, 2023
On Wednesday, Mr Khan said he would not resist lawful action by law-enforcement agencies while claiming that police had surrounded his Zaman Park residence.
Read also: Imran, wife skip NAB hearing in Al-Qadir Trust case
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.
Read also: Imran Khan responsible for attacks on national institutions: Sanaullah
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.
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.
