RAWALPINDI: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI)  founder Imran Khan has directed his party's leadership to abandon all attempts at negotiating with establishment, asserting that such talks only strengthen their adversaries.

"There is no point in engaging with establishment. More we retreat, more they crush us. This is not institution's policy but that of third umpire," Khan remarked during conversation with media inside Adiala Jail, where he has now spent year. Reflecting on his time in prison, Khan dismissed notion that he would break under pressure.

"They thought I'd crumble, that I wouldn't survive solitary confinement. I've spent 21 to 22 hours day in isolation. In summer, I sweat so much that my clothes deteriorated. They don't understand what sportsman training is like, we are conditioned to endure under pressure."

He drew historical parallels, highlighting how Japan rebounded after atomic bombings due to its intact institutions.

"When institutions and morality remain intact, country survives. Here, however, 'extension mafia' is destroying both for its own gain. Gang of Three is ruining nation's future and institutions for their extensions."

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI)  referenced Hamoodur Rahman Commission Report, saying it was lesson in how one man's lust for power devastated Pakistan's democracy, resulting in loss of East Pakistan. "Dhaka debacle cost us billions, shamed us globally, and saw 90,000 troops captured while 50,000 Pakistanis were killed. Commission's report was hidden away instead of being used as learning tool."

Criticising Jutice Isa, Khan accused him of providing cover for injustices against his party. "It was Isa's job to protect fundamental rights, but he didn't even order single judicial inquiry."

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI)  likened current political climate to situation in Palestine, claiming Western powers delay ceasefires to crush Palestinians.

"They want to crush us in same way."Regarding Al-Qadir Trust case, Khan insisted that he had not gained financially. "They've accused us of benefiting from £ 190 million adjustment, but nothing was proven."He criticised Justice Isa for failing to act when judges in Islamabad High Court were threatened. "Isa doesn't even pretend to be neutral," he said.

Published in The Daily National Courier, September, 27 2024

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