Imran Khan threatens civil disobedience, calls for rally in Peshawar
Imran Khan, Pakistan's former prime minister, during an interview in Lahore, Pakistan, on Friday June 2, 2023. Khan said Pakistan's military establishment wanted to stop his opposition party from winning the next election, paving the way for a weak government as the country seeks to stave off a financial crisis. Photographer: Betsy Joles/Bloomberg via Getty Images
Pakistan’s jailed former Prime Minister, Imran Khan, has called on his supporters to gather in Peshawar on December 13, threatening to launch a civil disobedience movement if his demands are not met.
The announcement follows deadly protests in Islamabad led by his Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party.
In a post on X, Khan demanded a judicial inquiry into the crackdown on the November 25 protest march, which he claims resulted in 12 deaths, as well as the violent incidents of May 9 last year that reportedly claimed eight lives. He also called for the release of all detained political workers.
“If these two demands are not met, a civil disobedience movement will start from December 14, and the government will be held responsible for any consequences,” Khan warned.
The government denies any deaths during the November 25 march, asserting that Khan’s supporters attacked military installations during the May 9 violence.
Khan, 72, was indicted on Thursday on charges of orchestrating the May 9 attacks, a claim he denies. He remains in jail since late last year, facing numerous legal cases that he and his party allege are politically motivated to sideline him from politics.
The former cricket star’s fall from grace began after his ouster in 2022, following a fallout with military leaders.
His latest call to action signals escalating tensions and poses a significant challenge to the government’s authority as his supporters rally behind his leadership.
