ISLAMABAD: On Saturday, senior leaders of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) released video statements, affirming under oath that their Chairman, Imran Khan, did not instruct them to carry out attacks on state institutions or military installations on May 9.
The PTI leaders recorded these statements to thwart any potential “nefarious plan” that might involve releasing false allegations against the PTI chairman in the event of their arrest, torture, or coercion. They voiced their commitment to PTI’s goal of uplifting Pakistan and emphasized that any video statement other than the recorded ones would be counterfeit. The leaders explained that the current trend involved the abduction of PTI leaders, who were then compelled to give recorded statements against their will.
They emphasized the importance of safeguarding these sworn video statements and presenting them as evidence in court.Omar Ayub emphasized the need to preserve his sworn statement in case of his “enforced disappearance” or arrest, as it substantiated that the PTI chairman had never issued any directives against the government or state institutions.
PTI Leaders Affirm Imran Khan’s Commitment to Peace and the Rule of Law
The PTI leaders declared their patriotism and desire for the “rule of law” in Pakistan to promote its prosperity. They asserted that Imran Khan had consistently advocated for peace and the integrity of Pakistan. In their recorded video statements regarding the May 9 incident, they individually testified that Imran Khan had never directed them to engage in illegal activities or violence.
They highlighted that the purpose of PTI sit-ins and protests was never to hinder the appointment of any institution’s head. Hammad Azhar, Haleem Adil Shaikh, Firdous Shamim Naqvi, Ali Nawaz Awan, and Syed Zulfiqar Bukhari, in their respective video statements under oath, affirmed that Imran Khan never encouraged or participated in violent protests or acts against state institutions.
Brigadier (retd) Musaddiq Abbasi, who served as a federal adviser to PM Imran Khan on Accountability and Interior and also to the CM Punjab on Anti-Corruption and Public Prosecution, stated that Imran had never given orders to fabricate baseless cases against his political rivals and had ensured they received fair legal treatment while in custody.
