On Monday, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan, currently detained in Adiala Jail, warned of nationwide protests if Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa’s tenure is extended through constitutional amendments. Khan expressed strong opposition to any such move, stating it would provoke significant unrest across the country. “Any attempt to amend the constitution to extend Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa’s tenure will face intense resistance. I am prepared to call for nationwide protests,” he declared during a press interaction.
Khan criticized the current situation in Pakistan, suggesting it is worse than in Bangladesh. He noted that in Bangladesh, the military did not turn against its people, and similarly, the Pakistani military should not act against its citizens. He also accused the government of manipulating the constitution to advance political agendas and directed his party to prepare for street protests, drawing parallels to Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s alleged control over key institutions to suppress opposition.
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The former premier also condemned the government’s crackdown on PTI following the incidents of May 9, claiming that it was a strategic move to weaken his party ahead of elections. He noted that despite efforts to undermine PTI, the party still enjoys considerable public support.
Khan criticized the failure to implement Supreme Court decisions, particularly regarding the allocation of reserved seats, calling it a clear violation of the constitution. He warned that continued disregard for judicial rulings would lead him to initiate a mass movement.
“I was initially reluctant to call for protests due to the fragile economy. However, the government’s move to secure a two-thirds majority and extend the Chief Justice’s tenure has left me with no alternative. The people are ready to protest, even if it means facing imprisonment or worse,” he stated.
