RAWALPINDI: In a rare and exclusive interview with international journalist Mehdi Hassan, former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan claimed to have been held in harsh conditions and continued to criticize Pakistan’s current political and military leadership.
Speaking out from prison, Imran Khan, who rose from cricket legend to Prime Minister of Pakistan, said that now he finds himself in solitary confinement, which he refers to as a “death cell.” Arrested last year amid allegations of corruption and other charges, Khan’s imprisonment has been a focal point of controversy and political unrest in Pakistan.
In the exclusive interview with Zeteo, conducted via written questions due to his imprisonment, Khan detailed the severe conditions of his confinement. “I am denied even the basic rights of a prisoner,” he said, accusing authorities of using psychological tactics to break his spirit. Despite these hardships, Khan remains resolute, maintaining that his faith in Allah keeps him strong and focused.
Khan squarely blamed his imprisonment on former army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa, whom he accused of orchestrating a scheme to remove him from power. “After 11 months in prison, I am certain that this ordeal was orchestrated solely by General Bajwa,” Khan asserted, alleging that Bajwa spread false narratives both nationally and internationally to justify his removal.
In an interview to @mehdirhasan, @ImranKhanPTI says he is being kept in a death cell, and that his biggest regret is trusting General Bajwa.
Says that the poison Bajwa spread about him abroad was motivated by the general’s greed.
— Uzair Younus عُزیر یُونس (@UzairYounus) May 29, 2024
During his interview with Mehdi Hasan, the former Prime Minister also reiterated his belief that his ousting was influenced by false narratives spread by Bajwa, painting him as anti-American. Khan defended his government’s foreign policies, including the controversial trip to Russia, which he stated was a collective decision, not a unilateral move.
Reflecting on his time in office and the international relationships he maintained, Khan lamented the impact of Bajwa’s actions on Pakistan’s democracy. He criticized the current government led by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, calling it illegitimate and pointing to alleged election rigging and violence. “This government lacks legitimacy,” Khan stated, urging scrutiny of the election processes.
Khan’s defiance remains strong, despite his circumstances. He emphasized that his mission is not personal but a fight for democracy and the rights of the Pakistani people. “This is an attack on democracy and the right to self-determination of 250 million people,” he declared, urging the international community to take notice of the ongoing repression in Pakistan.
As Khan continues to serve his sentence, his words resonate with many in Pakistan who view him as a symbol of resistance against corruption and injustice. His message to the world is clear: the struggle for democracy in Pakistan is far from over, and the plight of its people should not be ignored.