Imran Khan rejects surrender, calls for nationwide protests on September 27

ISLAMABAD: Imran Khan, the founder of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), has firmly vowed not to surrender, declaring any perception of his capitulation to be a misconception. Speaking to the media outside Adiala Jail after a court hearing in the Toshakhana 2.0 case, his sister Aleema Khan conveyed his message, quoting him as saying, “Those who think I will break are delusional. I will not accept slavery, no matter what is done to me.”

Imran Khan has called for a nationwide protest on September 27, urging the people of Pakistan to take to the streets in what he described as a pivotal moment for the country’s political resistance. Aleema Khan further stated that Imran remains critical of the current political order, accusing attempts to weaken PTI through the 26th Amendment, which seeks to control the judiciary, suppress the media, and stifle democracy.

Imran has also warned of Pakistan’s worsening economic situation, citing a sharp decline in foreign investment and an increase in the country's debt. He expressed concerns that the country is heading down a dangerous path, similar to that of Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, or Nepal. In his message to PTI’s leadership, he urged them to act decisively, warning, “If you don’t act now, you’ll be digging your own political graves.”

Imran also rejected the idea of conducting his trial via video link for the General Headquarters (GHQ) attack case. Aleema Khan emphasized that the Punjab government’s attempt to isolate him by forcing a video link trial was rejected. Imran had previously insisted on attending court in person, even after surviving an assassination attempt. She argued that the objective behind the video link was to silence him, as it would prevent legal consultations and hinder family communication.

In a recent incident, two women reportedly threw eggs at Aleema Khan outside the court. However, PTI workers apprehended the women and handed them over to the police, only for them to be released under orders from higher authorities.

Meanwhile, in the GHQ attack case, the Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) has instructed Imran Khan to appear via video link from Adiala Jail for the next hearing, scheduled for October 1. The Punjab government has withdrawn its notification to hold a jail trial, and the court has issued summons for three witnesses to appear at the next hearing.

Imran Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi, may face prolonged solitary confinement after the Toshakhana trial, according to Aleema Khan, as the government’s attempts to isolate them continue.