EX PM Pens Second Open Letter to Army Chief, Alleges Harsh Treatment in Custody

By DTD- Last updated Feb 8, 2025

ISLAMABAD: Former PTI Chairman Imran Khan has written a second open letter to Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir, highlighting severe conditions he has faced while in detention. In the letter, Khan expressed that his previous open letter was written in good faith for the betterment of the country, and that if public opinion were taken on the six key points he raised, 90% of the people would support them.

Khan accused the government of election manipulation, claiming that pre-poll rigging and altering election results led to the establishment of the current administration. He further alleged that the 26th constitutional amendment was pushed through Parliament to take control of the judiciary, and that the PICA law was implemented to silence dissent. Khan also pointed out that the political instability in the country, along with the “might is right” attitude, had led to economic ruin.

In his letter, Khan described the inhumane treatment he endured in prison, claiming he was subjected to psychological and physical torture. He said he was held in solitary confinement in a cell with no access to natural light for 20 days. Khan revealed that for five days, his cell had no electricity, leaving him in complete darkness. He also mentioned that his exercise equipment and television were confiscated, and even his newspapers and books were withheld.

The former prime minister also expressed frustration with his limited contact with his family, stating that in the past six months, he had only been allowed to speak with his sons three times. Despite court orders, he claimed he was not allowed to meet with his wife, and she too had been placed under solitary confinement.

Khan also brought attention to the ongoing legal battles of more than 2,000 of his supporters, leaders, and workers, whose bail applications remain pending in courts. He criticized the government for restricting social media and internet freedoms through laws like PICA, which he said were damaging Pakistan’s international standing and threatening the country’s GSP Plus status. Khan concluded by asserting that the government’s actions, including the disrespect for the public mandate, had laid the foundation for political instability in the nation.