Islamabad: In a video message on Thursday, Bushra Bibi, the spouse of the founder of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, Imran Khan, articulated her perspective on the current political landscape of Pakistan, likening Khan to a lotus flower that emerges from the mud.
Bibi expressed her concern for Khan, attributing his current challenges to his unwavering commitment to the pursuit of genuine freedom and justice for the nation.
"In the intricate political framework of Pakistan, Imran Khan is akin to a lotus flower that rises from the mire. It is imperative that we rally behind Khan, for the distinction between him and others is rooted in his dedication to serving Allah, rather than seeking power. He is engaged in a battle for the true liberation and justice of our country. Numerous voices have criticized us for our advocacy of Al-Jahad, yet we have never coerced our members into chanting Jihad slogans. Such expressions are born from their hearts and are executed independently. Khan is facing adversity for his steadfastness in championing the cause of our nation's freedom and justice," she articulated.
Bibi emphasized the need for unity among party supporters from diverse backgrounds, urging them to participate in a protest scheduled for November 24.
"Today, I extend a message of solidarity to Imran Khan. He has called upon the nation, across all regions, to unite on November 24 for a demonstration. This movement transcends Khan's personal aspirations; it represents a genuine struggle for the liberation of our country. Khan has extended an invitation to individuals from every societal stratum to join this demonstration. He has encouraged students, educators, farmers, human rights advocates, and even rickshaw pullers to participate. He has conveyed his faith in the youth's involvement, expressing his hope for our collective success. Khan has also reached out to judges and lawyers, appealing for their support, stating that his current incarceration is a result of his adherence to the law, and thus, it is their duty to join the protest. Lawyers from various locales and organizations are to lead this movement in uniform, culminating in their arrival in Islamabad on November 24. While we have received numerous messages from Khan, we will present them to you with time," she concluded.
Bibi highlighted that the only condition for rescheduling the protest is if Khan is released from jail and personally addresses the nation, outlining the strategy for the movement.
A significant number of individuals have expressed their desire to alter the date of the event, and it has been suggested that this could lead to ridicule of Khan. The only circumstance that would warrant a change in the date is if Khan himself were to publicly announce the necessary actions. Beyond this, the date will remain unchanged. Consequently, it is imperative that any misinformation be disregarded, as Khan has issued a special message affirming that the date will not be moved until he personally communicates with the nation's citizens.
The leader has called upon all citizens to participate in the demonstration and has questioned the officials, appealing to them in a tone of emotional urgency, emphasizing that the protesters are their kin. She has implored them to refrain from harming or oppressing the demonstrators. Furthermore, she has asserted that the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party has never resorted to taking matters into their own hands with the law and will not do so in the future.
"It is our collective responsibility and that of our community, as witnesses to the mistreatment of PTI, to question the officials and police personnel. These individuals are our family members who have come forward to protest. It is unjust to oppress them. They have the legal right to protest. How can one take the law into their own hands? By oppressing, silencing, vandalizing, and unlawfully arresting individuals. They show no regard for the law. Yet, they are blamed and incarcerated. Why? Because we have never taken the law into our own hands, and we will not do so," she stated.
She further emphasized that lawyers and judges have a moral obligation to support Imran Khan, who is currently serving a sentence for his efforts to secure justice for the nation.
"Today, Khan is incarcerated for the sake of justice. Therefore, it is the duty of lawyers and judges to join the protests. Or does Pakistan belong solely to Khan? Does he bear the sole responsibility for all sacrifices? Do you not consider this country your home? Have you not invested your lives here? Have you not raised children here? Have you not thought about Khan's age, 72, and his desire for comfort and a peaceful life? He is currently confined in a small jail, having been there for over 1.5 years, to ensure justice is served. Is it not the responsibility of those who claim to uphold the law to stand in solidarity with Khan? They have remained silent. We have learned of a petition to halt the protests. No law permits such a halt. We are calling for an end to this injustice. These protesters are our kin. How long will you continue to oppress your country, and at what cost to its people?" she concluded.
Bushra Bibi further stated that Imran Khan has expressed his refusal to seek retribution, citing it as inappropriate for an individual in a position of authority to engage in such actions. She also urged members of the party's supporters and workforce to refrain from resorting to vigilantism.
"We kindly request that you not resort to vigilantism. The recent speculation regarding Imran Khan's intention to seek revenge is erroneous. He has consistently maintained that seeking vengeance upon assuming power is contrary to his principles. He has articulated that his time spent in jail has fostered a deeper connection with Allah, leading him to embrace forgiveness rather than oppression. Any assertions to the contrary are unfounded," she elaborated.
Earlier today, the Anti-terrorism Court (ATC) transferred Imran Khan to the custody of the police on a five-day remand basis for a case filed at a New Town police station, as reported by ARY News.
The case encompasses allegations of arson, defiance of law enforcement, destruction of property, and additional offenses. The inclusion of anti-terrorism provisions has been introduced into the case against Imran Khan.