Incarcerated former prime minister Imran Khan has congratulated US President-elect Donald Trump, expressing hope that the latter would remain neutral “unlike” Joe Biden, whom he accused of believing in a lobbying campaign against him orchestrated by former army chief General (retd) Qamar Javed Bajwa using former diplomat Hussain Haqqani.

Speaking to journalists and lawyers in Adiala Jail, issued a strong condemnation of the current Pakistani government, accusing it of undermining democracy and suppressing dissent.

Khan, who remains imprisoned, stated that his release is a matter to be resolved within Pakistan, not through US intervention. He acknowledged two mistakes: extending General Bajwa’s tenure as army chief and forming a weak coalition government instead of calling for fresh elections.

Khan painted a bleak picture of Pakistan’s current political climate, asserting that democracy exists only in name. He criticized the judiciary, claiming its independence has been compromised, and stated that elections alone are insufficient for true democracy.

He emphasized the need for free and fair elections, an independent judiciary, the rule of law, and accountability, arguing that even dictators can stage sham elections.

He further alleged complete censorship of the Pakistani media, claiming his statements are not published in newspapers. He accused the government of seizing control of the Supreme Court through constitutional amendments, enabling them to act with impunity. He blamed Chief Election Commissioner and Justice Qazi Faez Isa for aiding in the theft of the PTI’s mandate, claiming they colluded to defeat the PTI, Pakistan’s largest party.

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Khan accused the government of using unconstitutional means – an illegal parliament, president, and prime minister – to pass legislation that strips citizens of their rights, all to protect their stolen mandate.

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He specifically condemned the extension of the army chief’s term, arguing it should have been subject to parliamentary debate. He asserted that the army chief is protecting the illegitimate government, and the extension was solely to safeguard their power grab.

Khan called on his party leadership to prepare for a protest movement, warning that those who do not participate will face consequences, including losing their party positions and election tickets. He urged the Pakistani people to fight for their rights and freedoms, emphasizing that the current government cannot rule through force.

He declared his willingness to face any consequences, including military courts, stating that he would rather die than submit to what he sees as oppression. He also highlighted the imprisonment of his sisters and a nephew, further emphasizing the stakes involved in his resistance.