Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder and former prime minister Imran Khan has said that both the establishment and PTI are essential for the country and its people. “To crush PTI, the country has been turned into a banana republic and every institution, including the judiciary, has been dismantled,” he said.

Speaking to the media outside Adiala Jail after meeting Imran Khan, Advocate Faisal Chaudhry said that a list of six lawyers had been submitted for the meeting, but only Naeem Panjutha and Usman Gul were allowed in. “I stepped out so Naeem Panjutha could go in. Khan’s health is good, but he has been informed that even his sisters were denied visitation rights,” he said.

Chaudhry added that several party leaders and lawyers were also barred from reaching the jail. “Only two people on the list made it inside; the rest were stopped,” he claimed.

During the meeting, Imran Khan reportedly said that following the 26th Constitutional Amendment, the party’s legal committee and leadership would write to the Chief Justice regarding the current situation, adding that their court cases are not being heard and that his wife, Bushra Bibi, is being mistreated.

Imran Khan rebuffs claims about talks with establishment

Chaudhry said legal updates were shared with the PTI founder by lawyers Usman Gul and Faisal Malik. “We also discussed political developments and informed him of recent events outside,” he added.

He stressed that meeting with one’s family is a constitutional right. “At times, nine lawyers were allowed to meet him simultaneously. Why is access being restricted now?” he questioned.

Imran Khan reiterated that the country and its people need both the establishment and PTI, but it is political parties—not the military—that can unite the nation.

Chaudhry further stated that Khan expressed concern over not being allowed to meet party members, and mentioned that he last spoke with his children via phone three weeks ago. Usman Gul informed him that the contempt of court petition is scheduled for hearing on April 28.

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KP Mines and Minerals Bill

Regarding the Mines and Minerals issue, Imran Khan has requested a briefing from the KP Chief Minister and senior party leadership. He stated that the bill has become controversial and the public must be taken into confidence, warning that disputes could arise otherwise.

Afghanistan and regional peace

Speaking on Afghanistan, the PTI founder said he had spent three years working on regional peace and had long argued that terrorism could only be tackled by involving the Afghan government. “The current government wasted time, which resulted in the loss of precious lives, including army personnel. These sacrifices were not acknowledged,” he said, adding that Pakistan is still not receiving foreign direct investment.

Khan concluded by saying that development is not possible without foreign reserves, which will only come when the rule of law is established in the country.

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He reiterated that turning Pakistan into a banana republic to eliminate PTI has only led to institutional destruction—be it the judiciary, FIA, or police.