Military ‘abducted me’: Imran Khan rues ‘all-time low’ democracy in Pakistan | World News - Hindustan Times
close_game
close_game

Military ‘abducted me’: Imran Khan rues ‘all-time low’ democracy in Pakistan

May 14, 2023 05:45 AM IST

Imran Khan: “Democracy is at an all-time low. The only hope we have is the judiciary,” he asserted.

Democracy in Pakistan is at "an all-time low", Imran Khan claimed in an interview- a first since being bailed. The Shahbaz Sharif government is "petrified of elections" and they fear being "wiped out" by his party at the polls, the former prime minister told Sky News.

Imran Khan: Policemen escort Pakistan's former Prime Minister Imran Khan as he arrives at the high court in Islamabad. (AFP)
Imran Khan: Policemen escort Pakistan's former Prime Minister Imran Khan as he arrives at the high court in Islamabad. (AFP)

"So they have decided that the only way they will allow elections is if I am inside jail or killed. There have been two attempts on me," Imran Khan said.

HT launches Crick-it, a one stop destination to catch Cricket, anytime, anywhere. Explore now!

My house was raided when I was away, he added condemning "all violence" when asked about alleged violence by protesters.

“Democracy is at an all-time low. The only hope we have is the judiciary,” he asserted. This comes after the former premier was arrested earlier this week on corruption charges to be later released on bail following a ruling from Pakistan's High Court.

Read more: Ceasefire announced between Palestine and Israel after 5-day of fighting

Following his arrest, countrywide violence sparked which left at least 10 people dead and dozens injured.

“The first time they showed me an arrest warrant was inside the jail. It happens in the law of the jungle, the military abducted me. Where were the police? Where is the law? It's the law of the jungle. It seems there is martial law declared here," Imran Khan said.

Pakistan Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif criticised his release saying there was a "genuine corruption case" against Imran Khan, "but the judiciary has become a stone wall protecting him".

Pakistan's information minister, Marriyum Aurangzeb, defended his arrest, saying, “A person who has defied court, who does not abide by the law, who avoid courts and who thinks he's untouchable and cannot be questioned, has to be treated the way every citizen is treated.”

"If we wanted to arrest him or silence him because of his popularity, we would not have waited 14 months," she said.

Discover the complete story of India's general elections on our exclusive Elections Product! Access all the content absolutely free on the HT App. Download now!

Get Latest World News, Israel-Iran News Live along with Latest News from India at Hindustan Times.
SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Share this article
  • ABOUT THE AUTHOR
    author-default-90x90

    When not reading, this ex-literature student can be found searching for an answer to the question, "What is the purpose of journalism in society?"

SHARE
Story Saved
Live Score
OPEN APP
Saved Articles
Following
My Reads
Sign out
New Delhi 0C
Friday, April 19, 2024
Start 14 Days Free Trial Subscribe Now
Follow Us On