In a recent address to journalists and lawyers at Adiala Jail, Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan voiced strong opposition to several ongoing developments in Pakistan, including the controversial PECA law, judicial appointments, and the state of democracy in the country.  Khan expressed concern over the government's actions, alleging that democratic values and freedom of expression were being systematically undermined. 

Khan criticized the PECA law, which he argued has drastically increased the penalties for defamation, calling it a violation of fundamental freedoms. “In the civilized world, defamation is treated as a civil liability, often punished with a fine. But in Pakistan, with the introduction of the PECA law, defamation now carries a punishment of up to five years in prison," Khan said. He emphasized that this shift is a direct attack on freedom of speech and the press, pointing out that in democratic countries like Britain, defamation is still penalized with fines, not prison time.

“This law is an effort to silence dissent and prevent any criticism of the government," Khan stated. The former prime minister also raised concerns about the ongoing attempts to appoint a Chief Justice from outside the existing ranks of the Islamabad High Court, accusing the government of orchestrating a judicial appointment similar to the controversial case of Justice Qazi Faez Isa. He strongly condemned these moves, calling it an undemocratic attempt to exert influence over the judiciary.

“The presence of senior judges in the Islamabad High Court makes it clear that there is no need for an external appointment. This is a direct threat to judicial independence," Khan said. Further, Khan criticized the appointment of Sikandar Sultan Raja as Chief Election Commissioner, accusing him of facilitating a rigged election process. “He stole the people's mandate in broad daylight and aided in the government’s fraudulent actions,” Khan alleged, calling for accountability under Article 6 of the Constitution.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)