"Courts allegedly abused for PTI dismantling; Imran appeals to the Chief Justice over perceived injustices"
In a letter penned on September 16, 2023, former Prime Minister Imran Khan addressed Chief Justice Yahya Afridi, raising concerns about his ongoing legal battles and the alleged denial of justice. Khan has been in solitary confinement for over 772 days, facing charges of corruption, land fraud, and disclosure of official secrets. He claims that the courts have been weaponized to dismantle Pakistan's largest political party, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI). The letter, titled 'Denial of justice and fundamental rights - a call to the Supreme Court of Pakistan', emphasises the unheard petitions challenging the 26th Constitutional Amendment, a move Khan believes has sanctified electoral dacoity. Since May 9, 2023, the Pakistani government has arrested and prosecuted numerous members of the PTI party and their family members, accusing them of involvement in violence, terrorism, and other criminal activities following protests and unrest. Imran Khan himself is being tried separately on charges related to the riots that occurred on May 9. Barrister Hassan Niazi, Imran Khan's nephew, was picked up by military authorities, subjected to inhumane treatment, and handed down a 10-year sentence. Imran Khan's wife, Bushra Bibi, has been enduring inhumane and degrading treatment in jail, including denial of medical treatment and access to the outside world. Khan has requested the chief justice to direct the chief justice of Islamabad High Court to fix critical petitions which have been hanging in the doldrums. He also asked for permission for telephonic calls to his sons as mandated by the jail manual and granted access to Bushra Bibi's doctor for her medical treatment. Imran Khan's son, Kasim, has warned that Pakistan's democracy is at stake and seeks global support. The PTI secured a landslide victory in the February 8, 2024 elections, despite Imran Khan's imprisonment and efforts to suppress voices. However, leaders and supporters of the PTI have been facing charges in numerous cases related to the May 9 violent protests and clashes. Imran Khan's family members, including his nephews Shahrez and Shershah, have faced legal battles related to the May 9 incidents in 2023. The armed forces were summoned in Balochistan, Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Islamabad to ensure law and order during the May 9 protests. The PTI has lost 17 more Senators from their ranks, with 17 more PTI legislators quitting Senate bodies. This letter serves as a call for justice and a plea for the upholding of fundamental rights in Pakistan, highlighting the ongoing struggle of Imran Khan and the PTI against what they perceive as political persecution.
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