Imran Khan calls for Article 6 trial of PDM Leaders for constitutional violations

Lahore: Former Prime Minister and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan on Friday demanded that leaders of the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) be tried under Article 6 for violating the Constitution by not holding elections within 90 days.

“May 14 has also passed. They committed violation of the SC orders and the Constitution, and sooner or later they would face the action,” said Imran Khan while talking to the reporters outside his residence in Zaman Park on Friday.

The PTI Chairman said that his party workers were being abducted, detained and subjected to torture but nobody was taking notice of such injustice. The former prime minister revealed that the authorities had handed him a list of eight individuals wanted for various offenses, saying that such actions were intended to instill fear and control the populace. He cited examples, including the abduction of Shehryar Afridi's wife and the arrest of Dr. Yasmin Rashid, despite her positive contributions.

"I want to advise these individuals that such measures cannot eliminate any political party. Ideologies cannot be crushed," asserted Imran Khan, comparing the present situation to the era of British colonial rule when the struggle for freedom persisted. He expressed concern over the possible mistreatment of Imran Riaz Khan and urged journalists to take a stand against such practices. Additionally, he noted that several journalists had already left the country.

Imran Khan appealed to the nation to recognize the gravity of the situation, emphasizing that the actions of PDM leaders would affect future generations. He acknowledged that some individuals who had left PTI were facing pressure, but assured that such tactics would not fracture the party.

Responding to questions about the National Reconciliation Ordinance (NRO), Imran Khan stated, "NRO is always sought by those who are involved in corruption. They embezzle money and flee the country. I do not need an NRO, nor will I leave the country." Regarding his popularity, he expressed confidence that PTI would triumph in any future elections.

Imran Khan criticized the PDM, alleging that they sought support from the establishment while simultaneously evading elections despite the Election Commission of Pakistan's support. He accused the PDM of violating Article 14-A of the Constitution and suggested that they should face trial under Article 6. Khan asserted that all judges of the Supreme Court were united in their commitment to hold elections within 90 days.

He attributed these actions to Nawaz Sharif's attempts to divide the judiciary, stating that PTI would not participate in elections in October if they determined that the party still enjoyed significant popularity. Referring to the Pakistan Army, Imran Khan stressed that those who genuinely loved the country would never oppose the armed forces. He claimed that the PDM's actions mirrored those witnessed in the 1970s and referenced his personal experiences during that period.

Imran Khan further highlighted the PDM's repeated defeats in 30 out of 37 by-elections. He emphasized his track record of providing constructive criticism to the Pakistan Army, defending it during interviews with CNN and BBC. He asserted that timely elections were crucial for steering the country out of crises.

Regarding the parliament, Imran Khan clarified that he would not personally attend, but his party would represent him. He expressed concern over the detention of PTI workers without their appearance before the court. Lastly, he condemned the mistreatment of women, emphasizing that it contradicted local traditions and values.