'Fight till last ball, do not retreat': Imran Khan asks supporters in message from jail

Lahore: Pakistan's former prime minister Imran Khan on Tuesday evening asked his supporters who camped in Islamabad to "fight till the last ball and do not retreat".

"I salute the people of Pakistan and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) workers who are standing up for their rights, participating in peaceful protests, and boldly confronting the mafia imposed on our country to demand true freedom and justice," Khan said in a message from Rawalpindi’s Adiala Jail where he has been incarcerated since August 2023 in multiple cases.

"To my team, my message is clear: Fight till the last ball. We will not back down until our demands are fully met," he said, urging those who haven’t yet joined the protest march to reach D-Chowk in Islamabad for a peaceful protest and not leave till their demands are met.

The 72-year-old former premier issued a "final call" on November 13 for nationwide protests on November 24, denouncing what he termed as the stolen mandate, the unjust arrests of people and the passage of the 26th amendment, which he said has strengthened a “dictatorial regime”.

The PTI supreme leader also revealed that he was threatened with being tried in a military court.

"To those threatening me with trial in military courts, I have a clear message: Do whatever you want, I will not waver from my stance," Khan said.

Khan further said that on Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi’s orders, Rangers and police opened fire and shelled PTI workers, killing and injuring peaceful citizens.

"Naqvi will be held accountable for this. Despite the brutality, our people not only remained peaceful but also helped rescue injured police and Rangers personnel who had attacked them," he said.

The former premier also thanked Pakistanis living abroad who are mobilising support, sending funds, and organising historic protests in their respective countries.

"To our social media warriors around the world, keep amplifying our demands and exposing the injustices happening in Pakistan. Your efforts are crucial in keeping the world informed," Khan said.

Meanwhile, Naqvi said no talks will be held with protesters and the government will clear Islamabad from them.

Khan's supporters reached the heart of Pakistan's capital on Tuesday after battling police in clashes that killed six security personnel and injured dozens.

TV channels showed footage of Khan's supporters facing tear gas and climbing on the shipping containers placed on the roads leading to D-Chowk, which is located close to several important government buildings: the Presidency, the PM Office, the Parliament, and the Supreme Court.

The top leaders of the PTI, who led protesters from other parts of the country to Islamabad, have vowed to remain in the city until Khan was released from jail.

Meanwhile, a case was registered under the anti-terrorism act against the former premier and other PTI leaders over their alleged role in the killing of a police officer during the protest march, it emerged Tuesday.