Imran Khan Stands Firm Amidst Dissent Within PTI

Former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan asserts that those who abandoned PTI during tough times have no place in the party. This statement came as PTI founder attends a court hearing in Adiala jail. Khan faces multiple charges including the Toshakhana case while his release chances remain grim.

Former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan has announced that there is no room for those who exited Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) during challenging periods. Speaking to reporters at Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi, Khan stated, "I want to clearly state that there is no space for those who abandoned the party during difficult times," according to The News International.

Without mentioning any names, Khan indicated his awareness of those who left PTI during adversity. "Those who were active during good times but left during hardships have no place in the party," he added, according to the same source.

Khan acknowledged those who had endured violence, including torture and blackmail against their families, yet remained loyal to PTI. Meanwhile, the Accountability Court in Islamabad adjourned the 190 million pounds case against Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi, to September 4. Lawyers will continue cross-examining the investigating officer in the next hearing.

The court session, presided by Judge Nasir Javed Rana, took place in Adiala Jail, where Khan and his wife were present. Defence attorneys Usman Gill and Zaheer Abbas represented them, while Prosecutor General Sardar Muzaffar Abbasi appeared for NAB. The defence questioned the investigating officer, Umar Nadeem, but the session concluded without completing the cross-examination.

Khan, 71, who served as Pakistan's Prime Minister from 2018 to 2022, has been in Adiala Jail since August 2023 on multiple charges, including the Toshakhana case. His wife has also been incarcerated. Courts have recently suspended or overturned several of his convictions, but prospects for his release dimmed following his arrest on additional charges related to the May 9, 2023, riots, according to Geo News.

(With inputs from agencies.)