Imran Khan of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) was advised by the Pakistan Army to stop criticizing serving officers, but the former prime minister explained that he didn't need to misrepresent the group or Pakistan by doing so.
"This is my army in Pakistan. In a video message on Tuesday, Khan said, "I don't need to lie.
The cricketer-turned-politician's address was made public on PTI's social media channels before he left for the federal capital to attend bail hearings for two charges against him at the Islamabad High Court.
A day after the army censured him for making "irresponsible and baseless allegations" against an active-duty senior military official of the armed forces, the PTI chairman made his remarks.
"[The] chairman PTI has leveled highly irresponsible and baseless allegations against a serving senior military officer without any evidence," Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Director-General Major General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry said in a statement as the politician continued his tirade against the establishment.
The military spokesperson advised the lawmaker to stop making unfounded claims and forewarned that if the trend persisted, the army would be entitled to take legal action.
The former leader, who was removed from power by a resolution of no confidence in April 2022, said that a senior military commander, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, and Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah were responsible for an attempt on his life in November of last year. All three of them disputed the assertions. Khan hasn't yet given the authorities any proof to back up his claims.
If someone has a warrant, they should bring it directly to me, the PTI leader said in response to a question regarding the possibility of going to jail. I'll be there with my lawyer, so please bring the warrant. I'm prepared to enter the prison on my own.
The former prime minister recommended against stirring up any commotion while requesting a warrant to locate him.
"I have no evidence against me. I'm mentally ready to be taken into custody. Khan declared, "If I have to go to jail, I'm prepared.
He said that the country had known him for fifty years. Khan asserted, "I am currently the leader of the largest party in the nation.
Increased security in Islamabad
At two in the afternoon, Khan is due to show up at the IHC for a hearing on his bail requests.
Section 144 has been implemented in the federal capital before Khan's entrance at court, and Islamabad Police have put in place strict security measures, including closing the roads near the IHC to regular traffic.
Any kind of gathering is prohibited by the provisions of Section 144.
The Islamabad Police announced that the G-10 turn and Aun Muhammad Rizvi Road would stay closed.
The registrar's office has also released a circular about security precautions.
The judicial personnel and court employees will not require special passes to enter courtroom number one, according to the registrar's circular, but lawyers and journalists will.
According to the memo, Khan will only be permitted to enter the courtroom with 15 other solicitors. However, only 10 solicitors from the offices of the Attorney General of Pakistan and the Advocate General of Islamabad would be allowed.
30 journalists from the Islamabad High Court Journalists Association (IHCJA) will be permitted entry to the courtroom in the meanwhile.
Those with special cards will be allowed to access courtroom number one, according to the circular, and the administration has been asked not to prevent them from entering the court's grounds.
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