Imran Khan, Pakistan's incarcerated former prime minister, has ruled out reaching an arrangement with those who have "enslaved" the country, said he is willing to serve nine more years in prison but would never make a deal with them.
In a statement published on the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party's 28th Foundation Day, Khan said that the "worst dictatorship" was imposed on the nation, which was forming the base for the "destruction" of the economy, government rule, democracy, and judiciary.
He asked everyone to do their part to stop the country's spiral into destruction.
"It is my message for the nation that I will sacrifice everything for the sake of freedom but will never compromise on my or my nation's freedom." Khan said he had been imprisoned for nine months owing to "fake [and] concocted cases."
"Since his ouster in a no-confidence vote in April 2022, the 71-year-old former cricketer-turned-politician has been convicted in at least four cases.
Khan has been incarcerated at Rawalpindi's Adiala Jail after being convicted of many charges.
Meanwhile, Khan's party has faced a crackdown since he fell out with the powerful military. The party experienced pressure in the form of arrests and detentions following the May 9 violence that erupted following Khan's detention last year.
Khan's letter came shortly after PTI leader Shehryar Afridi stated that the party would hold negotiations, but not with the Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari-led Pakistan People’s Party or the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz, following their recent overtures.
However, "We will talk with the Army chief, the DG (ISI), and the army because the need of the hour is to prioritise the country's security," Afridi said at a press conference.
Afridi called the two parties a "rejected lot" and stated that the party would speak with the army commander about Pakistan's freedom and destiny since the country "needs" Khan.
He said that if a "response" had been received, it would have been made public.
Independent candidates supported by Khan's PTI won more than 90 seats in the National Assembly during the February 8 general election.
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