- By Supratik Das
- Fri, 23 May 2025 01:47 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
In a statement from behind bar, Pakistan's former Prime Minister Imran Khan set his sights on the country's military establishment, specifically its Army Chief General Asim Munir, who was recently promoted to the Field Marshal rank. Khan taunted Munir should have been crowned "King", accusing Pakistan of being ruled by the "law of the jungle".
"Country Run by Jungle Law," Says Khan
“MashaAllah, General Asim Munir has been made Field Marshal. Though frankly, it might have been more fitting to give him the title of ‘King’ instead — because right now, the country is ruled by the law of the jungle. And in the jungle, there is only one king,” Khan wrote on X (formerly Twitter). This marks the second time in Pakistan’s history that a military officer has been promoted to the position of Field Marshal
Khan, who has been behind bars since August 2023 in several cases, rejected ongoing rumors of a political accord with the military. "No deal was made, nor is there any kind of talk. These are false claims," he asserted. Despite the stern words, the PTI founder issued an open invite to the military to hold talks in the interests of national unity and stability. “The country is facing external threats, a surge in terrorism, and a deepening economic crisis. We must unite. I have never asked for anything for myself before, nor will I now,” Khan said. On the other hand he also attacked the Shehbaz Sharif led government, claiming that it was engaging in selective accountability and political victimisation. He also blamed the current government of shielding elite criminals while attacking its detractors. “When you send the message that the bigger the thief, the higher the office they’ll hold, you bury justice,” Khan said. He highlighted the money laundering cases against President Asif Zardari’s sister and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. He said Pakistan has been turned into a place where the law only applies to the weak, never the powerful.
Khan also condemned the reopening of the Toshakhana-II case, calling it a "farcical trial". He alleged court proceedings are being manipulated by military personnel and complained he was being deprived of fundamental rights in jail.“I am barred from meeting my sisters, lawyers, and even my children. My books are not delivered, and access to my doctor is denied. All of this is a violation of court orders,” he stated.
He said he received information about drone attacks carried out in areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and directed the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government to officially lodge a protest with the federal government and take immediate steps to stop these drone strikes."The killing of innocent civilians in drone attacks does not reduce terrorism as it only fuels it further. After years of struggle, we had succeeded in halting American drone operations in Pakistan. If you claim to be against terrorism, then do not drop bombs on the homes of your own people," he added.