Former Prime Minister and PTI founder Imran Khan has announced the launch of a nationwide protest movement from prison, citing the closure of all legal and constitutional avenues for his party.
In a statement shared on his official X (formerly Twitter) account, Khan—currently detained in Adiala Jail—said he would now lead the movement as PTI’s chairman from behind bars.
“The rule of the jungle prevails in this country. All legal and constitutional options have been exhausted for PTI. I will now spearhead the protest movement from jail,” Khan stated.
He further announced that Omar Ayub would represent him outside the prison, while Salman Akram Raja would ensure the implementation of his directives.
چئیرمین پاکستان تحریک انصاف عمران خان کا اڈیالہ جیل سے پیغام:
”اس ملک میں جنگل کا قانون نافذ ہے۔ تحریک انصاف پر تمام قانونی اور آئینی راستے بند کر دیے گئے ہیں اس لیے میں اب خود بطور پارٹی سربراہ جیل سے احتجاجی تحریک کی سربراہی کروں گا- باہر میری نمائندگی عمر ایوب کریں گے- سلمان…
— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) June 4, 2025
A detailed roadmap for the protest is expected to be unveiled in the coming days. Khan emphasized that the movement would be inclusive, inviting allied political groups such as the Tehreek Tahaffuz-e-Aain, the Grand Democratic Alliance (GDA), and Mahrang Baloch to join forces.
“InshaAllah, no one will be able to stop this movement,” he asserted.
Khan warned that authorities may once again restrict his communication and meetings, but urged the nation to rise and stand firm for “true freedom.” He described the movement as nationwide and continuous, lamenting the violent crackdowns on PTI supporters.
“Snipers are stationed in Islamabad who fire directly at peaceful protestors. No other political party has faced such brutality,” he said.
To party leaders, Khan delivered a clear message:
“If I can endure prison, then none of you should be afraid. Until now, leadership was handed over ready-made — now is the time of trial.”
He revealed that post-arrest, he was advised to stay silent and retreat to Bani Gala, drawing a contrast with Nawaz Sharif’s exile, but said:
“I am not a coward who will stay silent in the face of tyranny.”
Referencing the Sambrial by-election, Khan alleged that rigging had again undermined public will, as had happened in the February 8 general elections.
“How could they let us win a by-election when they stole our two-thirds majority? They fear my release more than anything.”
He branded the PML-N and PPP as “political corpses,” saying they belong in “London,” not Pakistan.
Khan accused the state of executing the so-called “London Plan,” alleging that the May 9 events were manipulated to break the PTI and crush dissent. He said Pakistan’s judiciary had been paralyzed, and PTI’s reserved seats were being unjustly stripped through special courts established under the 26th Constitutional Amendment.
On the possibility of negotiations with the government, Khan was blunt:
“What is there to negotiate with a regime born from two NROs — one from Gen Pervez Musharraf, and another from Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa — to wipe their corruption clean?”
He also decried the suspension of his fundamental rights, noting his two-year imprisonment and his wife’s 14-month incarceration.
“I am bearing all this for the nation. I will never agree to a deal.” In a pointed message to the military establishment, Khan declared:
“You need PTI — I do not need you. True power lies with the people.”
