Former Prime Minister of Pakistan, Imran Khan, currently imprisoned, has called for a mass rally in Peshawar on December 13, threatening to launch a civil disobedience movement if his demands are not met. The announcement follows recent unrest led by his Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party in Islamabad.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Khan urged supporters to demand a judicial inquiry into the government’s crackdown on the November 25 protest march, which he claimed resulted in 12 deaths, and on the violent events of May 9, 2022, which left eight dead. He also called for the release of all detained political workers.
“If these demands are ignored, a civil disobedience movement will begin on December 14, and the government will bear full responsibility for the consequences,” Khan stated.
The government has denied any fatalities during the November 25 protests and accused Khan’s supporters of attacking military installations during the May 9 unrest.
Legal Troubles Deepen
On Thursday, Khan was formally charged with orchestrating the May 9 attacks, an accusation he denies. This indictment adds to the dozens of cases filed against the 72-year-old former cricket star since his removal from power in 2022. Khan and PTI allege that these cases are part of a military-backed campaign to sideline him politically.
Khan, who has been imprisoned since late 2023, maintains significant support in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, where his PTI party governs. His escalating confrontation with Pakistan’s government and military continues to raise concerns about further political instability in the country.
