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Tuesday, February 18, 2025  
19 Shaban 1446  

Imran Khan writes letter to COAS, says gap between public and army should be bridged

The full letter, according to the chairman, will be made public today

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman, Barrister Gohar Ali Khan, addressed the media today, revealing details of a letter written by PTI founder Imran Khan to the Chief of Army Staff (COAS). Khan’s letter, according to Gohar Ali Khan, does not signify a shift in PTI’s policies.

Gohar Ali Khan stated that the letter outlines reasons for the perceived growing distance between the army and the public, emphasizing that this gap should not widen. He further revealed that Imran Khan requested a review of certain policies with the COAS.

The full letter, according to the chairman, will be made public today, having already been shared with nine journalists.

The chairman highlighted that Imran Khan acknowledged the sacrifices made by the Pakistan Army, expressing concern that the burden of various issues is falling disproportionately on the military. He stressed that Imran Khan does not desire instability and reiterated the party’s stance that the army belongs to the nation. The letter to the COAS, Gohar Ali Khan confirmed, is an open letter.

The first point alleges that the February 8th elections were rigged in collaboration with money launderers, creating a rift between the public and institutions.

Secondly, the letter criticizes the 26th Constitutional Amendment, claiming it was designed to control the judiciary and disrupt the justice system, providing cover for past cases and election fraud. The delay in the 190 million reference case decision is cited as an example of court-packing to favor certain judges.

Thirdly, the letter condemns the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA), labeling it a “black law” that restricts freedom of speech on social media, silencing dissenting voices and causing a reported $2 billion loss to the IT industry. The letter also warns that this law jeopardizes Pakistan’s GSP Plus status.

Fourthly, the letter accuses the government of using all state institutions to suppress the PTI, diverting their focus from their core responsibilities. The letter highlights the sensitivity of the western border and the sacrifices of the Pakistani military.

Fifthly, the letter alleges disregard for judicial orders and the rule of law, with the consequences impacting the Pakistan Army. It cites the case of Bushra Bibi, where police were allegedly prevented from conducting an investigation inside jail by an unknown force. The letter calls for a change in policies to align with the constitution and law, ending political instability and fostering economic stability.

Faisal Chaudhry, speaking on behalf of Imran Khan, stated that as a former Prime Minister, it is his responsibility to highlight actions detrimental to the country. The letter also defends the appointment of Junaid Akbar in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, stating that there is no distrust in Ali Amin. It further claims that the nation rejected the events of May 9th as it did those of February 8th, asserting that the November 26th protest was a constitutional right and condemning the use of force against unarmed, peaceful protesters. The demand for a judicial commission, the letter concludes, is to ensure justice and accountability.

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