Imran Khan’s ‘Life in Danger’, Claims Close Aide; Pakistan Army Gives Former PM 3 Options for Survival

Jailed former Pakistani prime minister Imran Khan’s life is in “danger”, his close aide, Dr Salman Ahmad, has told News18.

Khan, who has been sentenced to imprisonment in multiple cases, and whose nomination paper has also been rejected ahead of the February 8 general elections, has been given “three options” to survive by the Pakistani Army.

The first being a formal apology to the people of Pakistan, and stay away from politics. He has been given an option of nominating his family member to be part of the electoral politics.

The second option for Khan is to stay in Bani Gala, Islamabad, and don’t participate in the electoral matter of his party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Islam (PTI).

Khan had announced on February 1 to hold intra-party polls, weeks after loss of party symbol of cricket bat. On January 31, his wife, Bushra Bibi, was also sentenced in a corruption case along with him.

And the third option for Khan is to nominate any of the three candidates for the post of Prime Minister and announce the name to the public.

According to Dr Ahmad, Khan has refused to take any of the offers. He instead hailed him as a “popular leader”, who has support of around “95% of Pakistan’s public”, which the Army “fears”.

“Imran (Khan) will not bow down and will stand with truth”, Dr Ahmad told News18.

The Election Commission of Pakistan had asked the PTI to hold fresh intra-party election last year, which it did, but the same was challenged by some disgruntled party workers.

On Thursday, with general elections barely a week away, the party announced to hold intra-party elections on February 5, the central media department of the party said in a statement.

The new intra-party election scheduled for February 5 comes too late as the party has already fielded independent candidates for the next week’s elections.

Party spokesperson Raoof Hasan has been appointed as the federal election commissioner.

All members of the party, registered till January 31, will be allowed to vote for their preferred panel or chairman candidate at designated locations across Pakistan, according to a PTI statement.