Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan on Tuesday claimed anyone who voted in favor the 26th constitutional amendment “betrayed” Pakistan by “destroying” the foundation of the Constitution.
In an informal interaction with media at Adiala Jail, where he remains incarcerated, the former prime minister maintained this view applied to all lawmakers who supported the legislation—even members of the Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (Fazl). Prior to the passage of the legislation, leaders of the PTI had praised the JUIF for its role in achieving consensus on the 26th amendment, with Chairman Gohar Ali Khan saying his party had no issue with the JUIF supporting it.
According to a statement issued by the PTI, Khan also alleged he was “confined in a cage” and treated “worse” than animals. He claimed the “torture” included no electricity in his cell for five days, while he could not leave his cell for 10 days and was barred visits from family members, doctors, and lawyers.
“They want to break me through this torture and hardship, but I will stand firm for the genuine freedom of the Pakistani nation,” he claimed.
During his interaction, Khan also lashed out at Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz) President Nawaz Sharif, criticizing the latter for traveling to the U.K., reportedly for a medical checkup. “Nawaz Sharif is not concerned about the future of Pakistan,” he claimed, adding he had “gone” to the U.K. because he was currently sidelined from the government.
The former prime minister also expressed concern over the “abduction” of his lawyer, Intazar Panjutha. “This enforced disappearance is a result of the enmity against me personally,” he alleged. “There is complete lawlessness in the country. It has been 21 days since the abduction of my focal person. What is his crime? It is unfortunate that even the courts are silent,” he added.
Following Khan’s court appearance at Adiala, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur issued a video statement warning the federal government it was “pushing” the PTI to violence by “mistreating” the party founder. He claimed that if any more reports of mistreatment were received, the PTI would shut down the entire country, a reoccurring threat that has yet to materialize.