#OnThisDay
Speech of Former Prime Minister Imran Khan at #UNGA on September 27, 2019. He made a compelling case for Kashmir and all the Muslim Ummah.
#PTISMT
“Asim Munir is a mentally unstable person whose moral degradation has led to the complete collapse of the Constitution and the rule of law in Pakistan, leaving the fundamental human rights of every Pakistani unprotected.
My wife and I have been imprisoned on fabricated charges at his command, and we are being subjected to severe psychological torment. I have been completely isolated in a cell, placed in solitary confinement. For four weeks I was not permitted to see a single human being, and I was kept entirely cut off from the outside world. Even the basic necessities guaranteed under the jail manual have been denied to us.
Despite the orders of the High Court, first my meetings with my political colleagues were prohibited, and now even my meetings with my lawyers and family have been stopped. Any human rights charter will show that psychological torture is classified as 'torture', and it is regarded as even more severe than physical abuse.
My sister Noreen Niazi was dragged on the road simply because she demanded her rightful meeting with me. Only a man like Asim Munir could sanction such conduct. He has imprisoned Dr. Yasmin Rashid, an elderly cancer survivor, purely out of political vengeance. My wife, Bushra Begum, has been imprisoned only to exert pressure on me. Even her children are not allowed to meet her, and she has been deprived of all facilities. These examples reveal the character and mental disposition of this man.
Enduring solitary confinement is extremely painful, but I am bearing it only for the sake of my nation. Until the nation itself breaks the chains of slavery, the mafias imposed on Pakistan will continue to exploit it. The extension mafia, land mafia, sugar mafia, and mandate-thief mafia will keep this nation enslaved until the people themselves rise. Today you are their slaves; your future generations will be slaves to their generations. If you want to break this cycle, the nation must break the chains of enslavement itself and stand up for Haqeeqi Azadi (genuine freedom).
There is no place in my party for those who play on both sides of the wicket. Such people are the ‘Mir Sadiq’ and ‘Mir Jafar’ of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf. The participation of PTI individuals in the NDU workshop is shameful. On one hand, we are enduring all kinds of hardships, and on the other hand, when our own people socialise with those who oppress us, it causes me deep pain.
I have always stated that drone attacks and military operations on our own people only fuels terrorism. Asim Munir’s policies are disastrous for this country. It is because of his policies that the scourge of terrorism has spiraled out of control, which deeply grieves me. He has no regard for the interests of his own nation. Whatever he is doing is merely to please the Western world. He deliberately ignited tensions with Afghanistan seeking to portray himself internationally as a ‘mujahid’ (warrior). He first threatened Afghans, then expelled refugees by force, and conducted drone strikes on them; the consequences of which came in the form of rising terrorism inside Pakistan. This man has sacrificed the country to terrorism for his own personal interests.
Sohail Afridi is commendable because he chose resistance over reconciliation during repressive times. My message to Sohail Afridi is to continue playing on the front foot. There is no law or constitution in this country. The law is invoked only against Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf; everyone else remains exempt. Whatever Sohail Afridi is doing, he should continue. He has my full support.
As for those issuing threats of Governor’s Rule: impose it right away instead of waiting, and then see consequences for themselves!
Conversation with his sister by the unjustly imprisoned former Prime Minister of Pakistan, Imran Khan, after one month of solitary confinement in Adiala Jail (December 2, 2025) 1/2
“I extend my heartfelt congratulations to all members of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly on the successful and dignified completion of the transition process within the provincial government. The way our members stood firmly by the party’s ideology and voted, without hesitation or reservation, for my nominee for Chief Minister is truly commendable. I also pay tribute to Ali Amin Gandapur, who, without any reluctance, tendered his resignation, not just once but three times. This smooth transition is clear evidence that the ideology of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) continues to be strong in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
My message specifically for Sohail Afridi is that he is my opening batsman, and he should play expensively and with full confidence.
PTI is the largest political party in the country. To label those associated with it as ‘traitors’ merely because they disagree with a particular policy is extremely dangerous. Those who distribute certificates of treason and label others as ‘anti-state’ for political convenience must be stopped.
As a politician, it is my democratic right to critique any policy that goes against the public interest, national integrity, or democratic principles. I have always opposed, and will continue to oppose, any such policy that harms Pakistan’s interests. The people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa have given us their mandate, and we are accountable not to the DG ISPR but to the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Therefore, we shall never act against the interests of Pakistan or its people.
I have no enmity with the Pakistan Army. The Army is mine just as the country and its people are mine. Many members of my own family have served in the armed forces. During the 1965 war, people from seven out of eight houses in our Zaman Park community were serving in the Army, defending the nation. It pains me deeply when soldiers lose their lives in the war against terrorism. Yet instability persists, and lives continue to be lost on both sides.
History bears witness that military operations alone cannot eradicate terrorism. Our principled stance is that military operations in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa are unacceptable, as lives of innocent civilians are lost under the label of ‘collateral damage’ and people are displaced from their homes. Large-scale operations have been carried out for decades in an attempt to eliminate terrorism, but the menace persists. Precious lives are lost every year, whether the martyrs are soldiers, police officers, or innocent civilians.
I have always maintained that to achieve the complete elimination of terrorism, decisions cannot be made behind closed doors. What is needed is a comprehensive strategy based on political wisdom and inclusivity. Any policy formulated without the consultation and participation of political representatives and the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government is unacceptable. All key stakeholders, including local tribal leaders, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and federal governments, and the Afghan government must be consulted in determining counterterrorism policies. Without meaningful dialogue with Afghanistan, the issue of terrorism cannot be resolved.
I once again instruct the new Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government to engage all parties involved and formulate an effective and comprehensive strategy against terrorism. One that ensures sustainable peace in the province and ultimately leads to economic recovery.
In every democratic society, citizens have the fundamental right to peaceful protest. To use violence against unarmed people and open fire on them is completely unacceptable. The brutality inflicted upon Tehreek-e-Labbaik workers is the same injustice that PTI has been enduring for the past three years. A similar massacre occurred on November 26th (2024) at D-Chowk when our unarmed supporters were fired upon by snipers. I strongly condemn the inhumane violence and the shooting of unarmed citizens in the Muridke tragedy.”
Message from Former Prime Minister Imran Khan from Adiala Jail
“میں عاصم منیر کو پیغام دینا چاہتا ہوں کہ ہم "لا الہ الا اللہ محمد رسول اللہ" کے ماننے والے ہیں۔ ہم نے عہد کیا ہے کہ ہم جب تک زندہ ہیں یزیدیت اور فرعونیت کے سامنے سر نہیں جھکائیں گے کیونکہ ہم اللہ کے سوا کسی بھی انسان کے آگے جھکنے کو شرک مانتے ہیں۔ مجھ پر اور بشرٰی بی بی پر جیل میں جو ذہنی تشدد ہو رہا ہے وہ عاصم منیر کروا رہا ہے اور اسکی وجہ صرف یہ ہے کہ ہم جھک جائیں یا ٹوٹ جائیں-
جنرل یحیٰی خان کو فوج نے ملک چلانے کے لیے منتخب نہیں کیا تھا بلکہ اس نے فوج کا کندھا استعمال کر کے ڈکٹیٹر شپ کی اور ملک میں ظلم و جبر کا بازار گرم کیا۔ اپنے دس سالہ اقتدار کی لالچ میں اس نے ملک دو لخت کر دیا۔ آج عاصم منیر بھی اسی طرز پر فوج کا کندھا استعمال کر کے ملک میں لاقانونیت اور فسطائیت کا ماحول بنائے ہوئے ہے۔
عاصم منیر نے اپنے دس سالہ ناجائز اقتدار کے لیے کیا کچھ نہیں کیا۔ سب سے پہلے جمہوریت کا گلا دبوچا، نو مئی کا فالس فلیگ کر کے ملک کی سب سے بڑی سیاسی جماعت کو کچلا گیا، پھر 8 فروری کو انتخابات میں عوام نے جب تحریک انصاف کو بڑی تعداد میں ووٹ ڈالے اور تحریک انصاف نے کلین سویپ کیا تو اس مینڈیٹ کو بے شرمی سے چرا لیا گیا۔ عوام کا مینڈیٹ چرا کر سزا یافتہ لوگوں کو اقتدار دے دیا گیا۔ اس کے بعد عدلیہ کو مفلوج کیا گیا اور چھبیسویں ترمیم کے ذریعے ججز کے ہاتھ پاؤں باندھ دئیے گئے۔ عدلیہ کو سرکاری ادارے میں تبدیل کر دیا گیا ہے۔
تیسرے نمبر پر میڈیا کی آزادی پر قدغن لگا دی گئی ہے، آزاد میڈیا کا تصور پاکستان سے بالکل ختم ہو چکا ہے۔ نہایت مشکل سے پاکستان میں جیسی تیسی جمہوریت کے تسلسل سے یہ دو چیزیں، کسی حد تک خود مختار عدلیہ اور آزاد میڈیا تھا، مگر عاصم منیر کی وجہ سے ان دونوں کا خاتمہ ہو چکا ہے۔ ملک میں اس وقت جمہوریت معطل ہے، انسانی حقوق کی پامالی عروج پر ہے، عدلیہ غلام اور میڈیا خوفزدہ ہے۔
عاصم منیر جب سے چیف بنا ہے افغانستان کے ساتھ حالات خراب کرنے کی کوشش میں ہے۔ چیف بنتے ہی پہلے افغانستان کو دھمکیاں لگائیں، پھر تین نسلوں سے مقیم افغانیوں کو ملک سے دھکے دے کر باہر نکالا پھر وہاں ڈرون حملے کیے اور پوری کوشش کی کہ ان کو اکسا کر پاکستان سے جنگ کروائی جائے اور پاکستان میں دہشتگردی کا ماحول بنایا جا سکے تاکہ مغرب میں موجودہ افغان حکومت کی مخالف لابیز کو "مجاہد" بن کر دکھا سکے کہ میں ہی ہوں جو دہشتگردی کے خلاف جنگ لڑ سکتا ہوں۔
جبر کے اسی نظام کے باعث پاکستان میں اس وقت معیشت بھی تاریخی سست روی کا شکار ہے۔ بیرونی سرمایہ کاری بالکل صفر ہے۔ پاکستان کی تاریخ میں کبھی اتنی کم سرمایہ کاری نہیں آئی جتنی اس دور میں ہوئی۔ تین سال میں ملک پر قرضہ دگنا ہو چکا ہے۔ ہر پاکستانی اس وقت قرضے کی دلدل میں دھنسا ہوا ہے۔ جب تک ملک میں عوامی حکومت قائم نہیں ہو گی معاشی مسائل کا حل ممکن نہیں ہے۔
ملک میں اخلاقیات کا جو جنازہ اٹھا ہوا ہے اس کی بھی مثال تاریخ میں نہیں ملتی۔ جو کام جنگوں میں بھی نہیں ہوتے وہ یہاں عوام کے ساتھ کیے گئے ہیں۔ عورتوں کو سڑکوں پر گھسیٹا گیا ہے، بچوں کو اٹھا کر ہراساں کیا گیا، بزرگوں کا تقدس پامال کیا گیا ہے۔ کبھی کسی سیاستدان کے گھر کی غیر سیاسی خواتین کے ساتھ ایسا نہیں کیا گیا جو میری اہلیہ اور دیگر گھر والوں کے ساتھ کیا گیا ہے۔ جب ملک کا اقتدار ان چور لٹیروں کے ہاتھوں میں دے دیا جائے گا جن کی کرپشن کی داستانوں سے بچہ بچہ واقف ہے تو اخلاقیات ایسے ہی تباہ ہوں گی”
سابق وزیراعظم عمران خان کی اڈیالہ جیل میں اہل خانہ سے گفتگو (17 ستمبر، 2025)
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“In 2021, the military leadership at the time proposed a plan for the resettlement of militants who had laid down their arms. However, our elected representatives from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and the tribal areas opposed it, and therefore it was never implemented during our tenure.
Yet, contrary to these facts, the PTI government is being falsely accused of having allowed terrorists to be settled in the country and thereby causing the present wave of terrorism. The nation deserves to know precisely which terrorists were resettled, and the details of when, where, and how?” -
Message from illegally incarcerated Former Prime Minister of Pakistan Imran Khan (October 9, 2025)
“I am deeply saddened by the loss of precious lives in today’s terrorist incident in the Orakzai region. Whether they are civilians, police officers, or army personnel, it is our own people, who are being martyred in these military operations. Among those martyred today were a Colonel and a Major, which is extremely tragic. Offering prayers for the elevation of all the martyrs’ ranks in Jannah and for the swift recovery of those injured.
The flawed policies and mistaken priorities of the mafia presently imposed on the nation have led Pakistan, especially Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, into an alarming and unprecedented wave of terrorism. Even though two months still remain, this year Pakistan has witnessed a record number of terrorist incidents, resulting in an enormous loss of life on a scale difficult to find precedent for. I have repeatedly stated that the complete eradication of terrorism in Pakistan, including Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, is impossible without dialogue among four key stakeholders: the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government, the people of the tribal areas, the Afghan government, and the Afghan people. The current regime’s policy of conflict and confrontation is only worsening the situation.
I have repeatedly directed the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government to oppose unnecessary military operations initiated against our own citizens. Peace had been restored across these regions during our tenure. It is deeply regrettable that the current Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has failed to implement my vision for peace and has been unable to distance itself from the war-driven policies of the federal government and security agencies, as it should have. In these circumstances, there is no option left but to bring a change in the provincial government. I therefore announce the appointment of Sohail Afridi as the new Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
The policy of fighting terrorism through drone strikes, jet bombings, and mortar shelling is a profoundly foolish strategy that has kept the nation trapped in a vicious cycle of terrorism. After today’s terrorist attack and the resulting martyrdoms, our security forces will inevitably retaliate, which will provoke a counter-response, and the cycle will continue endlessly.
During our three-and-a-half-year tenure, terrorism was at its lowest level in Pakistan’s history, even though Afghanistan was then under the pro-India and anti-Pakistan Ashraf Ghani regime. I personally visited Afghanistan and invited Ashraf Ghani to Pakistan in an effort to improve bilateral relations. Due to our practical measures and effective diplomacy, the country was spared the kind of instability we are witnessing today.
In contrast, the current rulers, who have unlawfully seized power, have completely failed to engage with the new government in Afghanistan (to secure Pakistan’s interests). Instead, after forty years of hospitality, Afghan refugees have been humiliated and forcibly expelled in a deeply painful manner. Bilawal Bhutto held the position of Foreign Minister for over a year and traveled across the world; yet at this most critical juncture in history, he did not visit Kabul even once, nor did he take any step to improve relations with the Afghan government.
For lasting peace, it is essential that this issue be viewed in a broader perspective, and that all stakeholders come together to resolve matters through dialogue and mutual understanding. I am confident that the change in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s leadership will mark a new beginning. Support from public representatives, tribal elders, and local jirgas will be sought, and all parties will engage in constructive dialogue to eradicate terrorism from its roots and find a durable solution. 1/2