Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Founder Imran Khan on Monday warned of nationwide protests if Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa is granted an extension through constitutional amendments.
Speaking from Adiala Jail - where he is currently detained - Khan expressed his vehement opposition to any such move, stating that it would lead to unrest across the country.
"Any attempt to amend the constitution to extend the tenure of Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa will be met with fierce resistance. I will not hesitate to call for nationwide protests," Khan said during his interaction with journalists.
He further lamented the current state of affairs, claiming that Pakistan’s situation is worse than that of Bangladesh. "In Bangladesh, the army did not turn its guns on its people. The same should hold for Pakistan; the people are already simmering with discontent."
Former premier accused the current government of manipulating the constitution, stating that the law is being bent to serve political interests. He directed his party to prepare for a street movement, drawing parallels to the rule of Bangladesh's Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, alleging that her government-controlled key institutions to suppress opposition.
Referring to the crackdown on PTI following the May 9 incidents, Khan claimed that his party had been systematically targeted. "Our leadership was either jailed or forced into hiding.
This was a calculated move to weaken our party ahead of the elections," he said, adding that despite these efforts, PTI remains a formidable force with significant public support.
Khan also took a jibe at the failure to implement Supreme Court decisions, particularly regarding the allocation of reserved seats, stating that this is a blatant violation of the constitution.
He warned that continued disregard for the judiciary's rulings would compel him to launch a mass movement.
"I was initially hesitant to call for protests, considering the fragile state of the economy. However, the current government’s intentions to secure a two-thirds majority and potentially extend the tenure of the Chief Justice have left me with no choice. The people are no longer afraid; they are ready to take to the streets, even if it means facing imprisonment or worse," he declared.
