ISLAMABAD: PTI’s Central Information Secretary, Raoof Hasan, asserted on Tuesday that a prolonged “reign of terror” has been orchestrated against the party for the past 22 months under the so-called ‘London Plan.’ The alleged objective of this plan was to dismantle PTI and oust its founding chairman, Imran Khan, from the political arena.
According to Hasan, the people have to seek revenge for the perceived injustices through the power of their votes on February 8. During a press conference, flanked by notable figures such as Senate Standing Committee for Human Rights Chairman Walid Iqbal, retired Brig Musaddiq Abbasi, former advisor to the prime minister on accountability, and former Punjab advocate general Ahmad Awais, Hasan claimed that PTI, its leaders, and workers faced severe state-sponsored terrorism and brutality since the “regime change conspiracy” of April 9, 2022.
Hasan alleged that, following the imposition of Sharifs and Zardaris on the nation, corruption cases involving a massive Rs1100 billion were promptly dropped, exploiting state institutions like NAB and FIA. He accused the PDM government of bringing the once “fast-growing economy” to the brink of bankruptcy, reducing the growth rate to zero, and inflating inflation to a record 48% within a year and a half.
Highlighting the plight of PTI leaders and workers since the May 25, 2022, long march, Hasan claimed that they faced brutalities, illegal detentions, harassment, custodial torture, and raids on their residences by political opponents. He also criticized the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) for allegedly stripping PTI of its electoral symbol, disenfranchising approximately 130 million voters at the behest of its masters.
During the conference, Walid Iqbal expressed concern over the lack of a fair trial for PTI’s founding chairman, citing in-camera proceedings that violated constitutional and fundamental rights. He urged the public, especially the youth and women, to participate in large numbers to support their leader.
Musaddiq Abbasi lamented the unprecedented case of wrong assessment of the value of gifts in the last 75 years. He questioned the credibility of the case, pointing out that assessors, who were only matric pass individuals, appeared confused during cross-examination.
Ahmad Awais contended that the Constitution was being violated with impunity, and the rule of law was being undermined through the law of authority. He argued that Imran Khan and Shah Mehmood Qureshi were denied their constitutional right to a defense, constituting a deliberate violation of the constitution and a punishable crime.
