Pakistan PTI Chief Imran Khan Appeals to Chief Justice to Address Political Victimisation
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Imran Khan has sent a letter to Chief Justice of Pakistan Justice Qazi Faez Isa, highlighting the issue of political victimization faced by his party and the alarming cases of abductions and disappearances of PTI workers. Imran Khan has urged the need to enforce Article 184(3) of the Pakistan Constitution, which protects citizens’ rights to liberty, association, assembly, and freedom of speech based on their political affiliation.
In the detailed seven-page letter, Imran Khan called for the establishment of a commission to thoroughly investigate the cases of abducted PTI journalists and political workers. He emphasized that these abductions, along with arbitrary arrests, have instilled fear in Pakistani society and contradicted the claim of being a constitutional and law-abiding country.
Imran Khan expressed concern that the power to prosecute and arrest is being abused to manipulate and influence the political landscape in Pakistan. He believes that this situation calls for immediate and substantial action to ensure justice and fairness.
Additionally, the PTI leader stressed the importance of equal media coverage for all political parties, including the PTI. He pointed out that the Pakistan Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) has imposed a ban on broadcasting former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s speeches and live broadcasts. Imran Khan appealed for the removal of this ban, advocating for unbiased coverage for all parties in the interest of a free and democratic society.
Referring to the May 9 riots, Imran Khan condemned the treatment of women arrested in Lahore, describing it as a tragic disregard for law enforcement. He highlighted that these women were imprisoned for six months, even after being granted bail in one case, revealing inconsistencies and mistreatment by the authorities in Punjab, Khyber-Paktunkhwa, and Islamabad.
Imran Khan further revealed that PTI workers are being repeatedly targeted by the registration of multiple criminal cases, leading to prolonged imprisonment. He demanded a fair trial for these workers and called for the apex court’s intervention to halt the ongoing wave of arrests and abductions. Imran Khan stressed that without such intervention, the possibility of conducting a fair general election in Pakistan on February 8, 2024, is bleak.
Imran Khan’s letter to the Chief Justice sheds light on the disturbing issues of political victimization and human rights violations faced by PTI workers and supporters. It seeks the court’s attention and intervention to uphold constitutional rights, establish fairness in the political landscape, and ensure the overall well-being of Pakistan’s democratic system.
As the PTI leader strives to address these critical matters, the nation awaits the response from the judiciary, hoping for justice, equality, and a nurturing environment for political participation and freedom of expression.
