Imran Khan Declares He Would Rather Stay in a Dark Prison Cell Than Accept ‘Slavery’; Urges Supporters to Rise After Ashura
Former Prime Minister of Pakistan and leader of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), Imran Khan, has issued a powerful message from behind bars, declaring his unwavering resolve against what he describes as a “tyrannical hybrid regime.”
In a post shared on social media platform X (formerly Twitter) on Tuesday, Khan called upon his party workers, loyalists, and the wider Pakistani population to mobilize and protest against the current political order following Ashura—the 10th day of the Islamic month of Muharram, which this year falls on July 6, a solemn day of mourning in the Muslim world.
Khan, who has been incarcerated since August 2023, stated emphatically,
“I would rather remain in a dark, isolated prison cell than surrender to this imposed slavery.”
A Call for Civil Resistance
Khan’s latest statement, brimming with defiance, is a direct appeal to the public to resist what he has consistently portrayed as authoritarian rule disguised under the veil of a civilian government. Addressing his supporters and PTI cadres, Khan urged them to organize and launch a nationwide movement of dissent once Ashura observances are concluded, saying:
“To the entire nation, and especially to the workers and supporters of PTI, I call upon you to rise against this oppressive system after Ashura.”
This marks one of the most direct appeals from the former premier since his arrest, highlighting his continued influence over a large segment of Pakistan’s population and political discourse—even from prison.
Criticism of the Military and Judiciary
In his post, Khan launched a scathing attack on Pakistan’s powerful military establishment, particularly Army Chief General Asim Munir, whom he accused of exercising unchecked, authoritarian power. He remarked:
“When a dictator seizes control, he doesn’t require the mandate of the people—he governs through sheer force.”
He further criticized Pakistan’s judicial system, claiming it has become nothing more than a “sub-department of the executive.” According to Khan, independent judges have been marginalized and rendered powerless, while only “hand-picked judges” now preside over critical cases.
“This only happens under martial law,” he added, implying that the current environment in Pakistan is akin to military dictatorship in civilian guise.
Concerns Over Suppression of Free Speech
Khan, a vocal advocate of press freedom during his tenure, also alleged that the right to free expression has been brutally curtailed across the country. He stated that independent journalists are being harassed and targeted systematically, while any voices of dissent are being muted.
“My voice is being suppressed in every possible way,” he claimed, lamenting the lack of avenues to communicate freely with the public and party supporters.
Legal Troubles and May 9 Violence
The 72-year-old former cricketer-turned-politician is currently imprisoned in connection with multiple criminal cases, most of which stem from events surrounding the May 9, 2023, unrest. On that day, violent protests erupted across Pakistan following Khan’s dramatic arrest by paramilitary Rangers from within the Islamabad High Court premises.
Authorities accuse Khan of inciting his followers to attack key government and military installations, including army properties. Several cases have since been registered against him in Lahore and other cities under serious criminal provisions, including charges of terrorism and sedition.
