LAHORE: Former Prime Minister Imran Khan, who has been incarcerated for over two years, claimed on Friday that Pakistan Army Chief Gen Asim Munir is subjecting him and his wife to “mental torture” in an attempt to break their resolve.
Khan, 72, a former cricketer-turned-politician, is currently held at Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi. His wife, Bushra Bibi, joined him in prison after both were convicted in the Al-Qadir Trust cases earlier this year.
In a post on X, Khan stated, “The mental torture being inflicted on me and Bushra Begum in prison is being carried out by Asim Munir, with the sole purpose of forcing us to submit.” He added, “As long as we are alive, we will not bow down to the cruelty of Yazid or the tyranny of Pharaoh,” referencing historical rulers notorious for their oppression.
Khan accused Gen Munir of using the army to foster lawlessness and fascism in Pakistan, alleging that the Army Chief is attempting to extend his “illegitimate rule for 10 years.”
He further claimed that since assuming office, Munir has tried to strain relations with Afghanistan. “He first issued threats, expelled Afghan nationals who had lived here for generations, and carried out drone strikes, all to provoke conflict with Pakistan and create a climate of terrorism,” Khan said. He added that Munir is seeking recognition from Western lobbies opposing the Afghan government by portraying himself as a “mujahid” capable of combating terrorism.
Khan also criticized the economic fallout of this alleged oppression, saying Pakistan’s growth has slowed to historic lows and foreign investment is virtually nonexistent. “In three years, the national debt has doubled, and every Pakistani is trapped in debt. Until a government of the people is restored, these economic challenges cannot be solved,” he said.
Finally, Khan urged his party supporters to focus on the upcoming Peshawar rally scheduled for September 27.
