It’s “undeclared martial law” in Pakistan: Imran Khan

Former Prime Minister of Pakistan Imran Khan has said while talking to BBC HARDtalk that there is “undeclared martial law” in Pakistan, adding that “fascists” are leading the country and taking it into “dark ages”.

Imran was elected in 2018 and ruled the country for four years. He was removed from office with a parliamentary no-confidence vote last year.

According to Imran Khan, a free and fair election is the only solution for political stability in Pakistan.

Stephen Sackur, the presenter, asked Imran Khan if it was true that there was the involvement of the army in the 2018 election.

In response, Imran Khan said that it’s not true, asking that if there was involvement of the army establishment, then how did Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) clean sweep in by-elections.

“How come, despite the establishment openly going against us, trying to dismantle us, how come after we are out of government, we won 30 out of 37 by-elections?”

He also said that the establishment thinks that my removal from the government can weaken my party, “Normally, it happens when you’re out of power for quite a while. But instead, what happened was that the party’s popularity kept growing”.

He also stated that PTI workers were not involved in the violent protests of May 9 and that there should be a fair investigation into this matter.

Imran Khan also said, “They have tried everything. They have put 10,000 people in jail, including women and peaceful protesters.”

He repeated that “The only solution to Pakistan is free and fair elections. That’s the only way we will get out of this mess.”