Amid political turmoil in the neighboring country of Pakistan, former prime minister Imran Khan has urged his supporters and workers to 'fight till the last ball' until all their demands are not met.
"My message for my team is to fight until the last ball is bowled. We will not back down until our demands are met," the former premier posted on X, which is apparently run by some of his supporters.
Imran Khan also commended the Pakistani nation and PTI’s political workers for protesting against Pakistan’s incumbent government.
“You are fighting for their rights by participating in this peaceful protest, and resolutely standing before the mafia that has imposed itself upon our country, to demand their rights and genuine freedom,” the former Prime Minister said.
Imran Khan said that on Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi’s instructions, paramilitary Rangers and police have relentlessly fired teargas shells and even shot at the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf political workers, resulting in the killing of and injuries to peaceful, unarmed citizens.
Let me tell you, that you will have to answer for this. The protesters were not only peaceful but also assisted the very police officers and Rangers who were shooting and firing teargas shells at them (when they needed it)," said former Prime Minister.
Imran Khan also thanked overseas Pakistanis across the globe, saying they are not only mobilizing Pakistanis and raising funds but also holding historic protests in their respective countries.
Social media warriors all over the world, continue to powerfully reaffirm our demands and remind the whole world of how this situation persists in Pakistan! To all of you who want to bring me into military courts: do your thing, I'm not moving off this position, whatever," Former Prime Minister declared.
Imran Khan requested people that who hasn't yet joined protest, shall head to D-Chowk.
All Pakistanis who join the protest should remain non-violent, united and continue standing until their demand is accepted. This is a fight for survival of Pakistan and actual freedom," the ousted prime minister said.
Pakistan, over the last couple of years, has seen various political turmoil after the army's junta sent the present prime minister, Imran Khan, behind bars into the dungeons on corruption allegations.
Thousands of PTI protestors have reached Islamabad's Zero Point 'D-Chowk' where they plan an indefinite sit-in until the party chief and former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan is released from jail.
Violent clashes between the security forces and PTI protestors are being witnessed at different places in the country's capital as Imran Khan's wife, Bushra Bibi, who was the driving force behind the rally, remains adamant and is urging party workers and supporters to take control of the sensitive location.
Addressing people at the main Jinnah Avenue, Bushra Bibi took an oath from the supporters to stay put at the venue until her husband is released.
"You all have to promise me that we will not leave D-Chowk until Imran Khan is released and is here amongst us. And, if anyone tells you that I have left, then that will be a lie," she said.
I also appeal to the people of Rawalpindi and Islamabad to come out of their homes. Nobody should leave D-Chowk even if there is a shortage of food and water. We will stay here for as long as it takes until Imran Khan is released," she added.
Bushra Bibi also warned the PTI protesters not to believe the statements that are surfacing from the Adiala jail, where Imran Khan is being lodged.
Our plan will not change until Imran Khan comes out and tells us what to do next. No matter the pressure, we will not listen to anything until Khan addresses us directly. If Khan speaks from inside, don't listen to him, wait for him to come outside," she said.
However, it also threatens PTI protesters that the government would be compelled to take "extreme steps" for the protection of the capital against the "mob attacks" if the situation is exacerbated.
"We have called in the Pakistan Army to ensure the security of the Red Zone. I want to warn PTI again to not test our patience. We are extremely cautious and are not using force against PTI miscreants to save lives and bloodshed. In doing so, our forces have been attacked with gunfire and direct attacks, which has already resulted in the martyrdom of police and ranger personnel," said Federal Information Minister Atta Tarar.
"Any mob taking over the capital cannot be allowed. PTI wants to see dead bodies to play its dirty politics and is using innocent lives of people to extend its evil agenda. We will not let that happen. But we will also not tolerate the unrest and spread of chaos for too long," he added.
Meanwhile, the PTI leadership continues to stay in contact with its jailed chief, consulting him on offers and backdoor talks with the government while trying to find a mutual ground of understanding for an agreement.
Bushra Bibi, however, has made it clear that she will not call off the protest rally until the government releases Imran Khan.
Analysts believe that Bushra Bibi is currently calling the shots in the party, even ahead of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur.
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