RAWALPINDI: Former Prime Minister and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chief Imran Khan has warned of launching a civil disobedience movement if the government fails to meet his demands by Sunday.
Speaking through a statement posted to his official X account on Thursday, he emphasized that PTI’s offer for dialogue should not be mistaken for weakness.
He outlined two core demands in his statement: the release of political prisoners and the formation of a judicial commission to ensure transparent investigations into the events of May 9 and November 26.
“These demands are justified,” Imran Khan said, “and if they are not met by Sunday, the first phase of the civil disobedience movement will begin with a boycott of remittances.” He warned that they will called on overseas Pakistanis to refrain from sending money back home as part of the protest.
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Earlier, Imran Khan had postponed the civil disobedience movement for a few days, citing the need to finalize its timeline and structure. However, in his latest statement, he expressed disappointment over the government’s dismissal of PTI’s negotiation offer, interpreting it as a sign of weakness.
The incarcerated PTI founder reiterated that the move to delay the campaign and extend a hand for dialogue was in the national interest. “If the government is uninterested, we have not put a gun to their head to negotiate,” he said.
He invited the government to either accept the demands, prove their unconstitutionality, or engage in meaningful discussions.
Imran Khan also lashed out at the government for accusing the civil disobedience movement of targeting the country, clarifying that the movement is against the “bogus parliament” and “illegitimate assemblies” formed through manipulated elections.
“This government was not formed by the will of the people but through a conspiracy,” he said, reiterating his claims against former Army Chief General Bajwa, whom he accused of orchestrating the downfall of his government. “This conspiracy caused a $42 billion loss to Pakistan,” he added.
He also criticized the government’s handling of the economy, highlighting severe damage to sectors such as IT and others. He claimed this has led to widespread public disillusionment and prompted business leaders and investors to transfer their capital abroad.
“Economic devastation, combined with the erosion of public trust, has left the nation in turmoil,” Imran Khan said, emphasizing that his civil disobedience movement targets a corrupt system, not the country itself.
Khan summons negotiation committee to Adiala Jail
In his statement, Imran Khan also revealed that a negotiation team had been designated to meet him in jail, pending the government’s approval for the meeting.
The team comprises Opposition Leader Umar Ayub, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, Asad Qaiser, Advocate Hamid Khan, Salman Akram Raja, Allama Raja Nasir Abbas, and Hamid Raza Khan.
According to media reports, Imran Khan’s lawyer, Faisal Chaudhry, has formally submitted a request to the Adiala Jail administration, seeking permission for the meeting.
The negotiation committee and members of Imran Khan’s family are expected to meet the former prime minister today (Thursday) in Adiala Jail.