On Sunday, the Islamabad Police attempted to arrest Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan at his Zaman Park residence in connection with the Toshakhana case, but he successfully evaded capture, leading to high drama that lasted for hours. Later, Khan addressed his party workers and supporters, criticizing state institutions and the ruling Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) alliance’s leadership.
He claimed that his life was in danger and demanded to attend the Toshakhana case hearing via video link. In his fiery speech, Khan also alleged that former army chief Gen (retd) Qamar Javed Bajwa had imposed a group of criminals on the country through a conspiracy. He maintained that he was being dragged into fake cases and accused foreign agencies of hatching an assassination attempt on him.
During his passionate speech, Imran Khan stated that he had no qualms about the government placing his name on the Exit Control List since he had no intentions of leaving the country. He also took a swipe at the ruling Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) alliance’s leadership, claiming that they trembled with fear if their names were put on the no-fly list. Khan went on to criticize former army chief Gen (retd) Qamar Javed Bajwa, accusing him of conspiring to impose a group of criminals on the country.
Addressing his supporters, Khan stated that he was not a security risk, and his enemies sought to remove him from their path through assassination. The former prime minister accused the authorities of dragging him to court in fake cases, and PTI senior leader Advocate Babar Awan had earlier claimed evidence suggested a foreign agency planned to assassinate Khan again.
To ensure his safety, Khan demanded to attend the Toshakhana case hearing through video link and stated that his lawyers would write a letter to Chief Justice of Pakistan Umar Ata Bandial in this regard. An Islamabad Police official confirmed that they were in Lahore on court order due to Khan’s repeated absence from the court.
“There are clear indications of another assassination attempt being plotted on my life,” he said.
“To date, there are 74 cases against me and I am being made to appear in court for hearings time and often. I am chairman of the largest political party in the country and wherever I go massive crowds naturally follow. This further aggravates the prevailing security threat. Right to life is a fundamental right under the Constitution and there is a grave threat to my life,”
According to a report from The Express Tribune, Imran Khan has expressed dissatisfaction with the level of security provided to him despite his status as the former Prime Minister of Pakistan. He has accused the current Prime Minister and Interior Minister of involvement in a previous assassination attempt against him. During his last appearance before the Lahore High Court, Khan claimed there was a “total failure” in official security arrangements, similar to what he faced in Islamabad when appearing before different courts. He has urged the Chief Justice of Pakistan to take action against those in power who pose a threat to him and ensure adequate security if his presence in court is necessary.
