Former prime minister Imran Khan has claimed that the government’s proposed constitutional amendment was solely intended to keep him incarcerated.

In an informal conversation with journalists at the Adiala Jail, Khan accused the ruling authorities of deciding to undermine the judiciary.

The upcoming legislation, referred to as the “26th Constitutional Amendment,” aims to establish a fixed three-year term for the chief justice of Pakistan.

Originally, the government planned to introduce this amendment in both the National Assembly and Senate today (Monday), but it failed to do so over the weekend despite extensive efforts to gather the necessary support.

Details of the proposed changes, which had been largely confidential, were discussed in a special parliamentary committee meeting held on Sunday night. This meeting sought to engage the opposition, but it left both opposition members and government allies dissatisfied.

The PTI has raised concerns about the absence of a draft during the three-hour meeting, asserting that the government has made “all possible efforts” to block the introduction of the amendment package.

Last week, Khan said that his party would not remain silent on the legislation.

He was of the view that the establishment of a constitutional court was a reaction to their alleged fear of the Supreme Court. Khan claimed that the new amendments could jeopardise the country’s future, claiming, “The sole purpose of the constitutional amendment is to keep me in jail. The rulers have made a decision to ruin the judiciary.”

Khan further alleged that such actions are being taken to conceal electoral fraud, expressing concern that if elections are held, everything could be reversed. “The rule of law is being trampled upon, and there is no greater injustice that can be done to the country.”

He accused the government of destroying democracy by eradicating the rule of law and claimed that recent changes to the “National Accountability Bureau laws have allowed politicians to protect their wealth, which is against the national interest.” Khan warned that threats to judges and the abduction of individuals, along with efforts to eliminate a political party, would only increase political instability in the country.

The former prime minister alleged that the interests of the elite were in direct conflict with the national interest, as they focus on electoral fraud and preserving their money.

Khan pointed out that in the past six months, 4,000 Pakistani companies have “registered” in Dubai, highlighting that the ruling elite remain unaffected because their wealth and assets are abroad. He cited the “case of Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi’s wife, whose $500 million property was revealed in the Dubai leaks,” criticising the government for taking loans to run the country, which has exacerbated inflation.

Also, read this

Constitutional Amendment reveals plan for two chief justices, who will be stronger?

PTI won’t remain silent on amendments in higher judiciary: Khan

Constitutional amendment will lead to military trial for Khan, claims Javed Chaudhry

He urged the people to stand up for their rights and protect the judiciary, declaring his solidarity with judges and journalists. Khan accused the government of allegedly attempting to destroy the judiciary.

Khan announced plans for a peaceful rally and “historic protest” in Lahore on September 21. “This is a matter of our country’s future. They know that if Qazi Faez is gone, human rights petitions will be heard, and out of fear of this, they are destroying the country.”