Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Information Secretary Rauf Hasan has expressed skepticism about the government’s decisions and state initiatives, suggesting that for the past year, the country has been witnessing a spectacle orchestrated to prolong the power of a single individual, Fard Wahid. At a press conference at the National Press Club in Islamabad, alongside Naeem Panjutha Advocate, Chaudhry Hameed Puthi, and others, Rauf Hasan criticized the recent court proceedings in the Iddat case, highlighting Khawar Manika’s use of foul language against the PTI founder. Due to internal pressure, the lawyer was asked to re-present the case, which was then assigned to another judge.
Rauf Hasan argued that the current administration’s strategy is to extend the legal proceedings to keep the PTI founder in jail longer, claiming this is part of a deliberate conspiracy, with no justice being seen. He emphasized that as time passes, the pressure on the state increases, and efforts continue to delay decisions in the cases against Imran Khan (IK). Despite these challenges, Hasan stated that their struggle for justice will persist, decrying the injustice and spectacle observed over the past two years.
He asserted that the Iddat and Cipher cases are baseless, just like the Tosha Khana and Al Qadir cases, and referred to the findings of the Hamudur Rehman Commission as well-known. According to Hasan, the current troubles stem from one individual’s attempts to maintain power at the expense of the state, emphasizing that Pakistan is uniquely suffering from a lack of constitutional and legal adherence.
Hasan also warned that Pakistan is on the brink of engaging in external conflicts, clarifying that PTI’s issue is not with the military but with certain individuals. He mentioned that Malik Riaz is also under pressure but has resisted. Hasan cautioned that if justice is not served, more problems will arise, accusing current officials of attempting to bribe judges.
PTI leader Naeem Haider Panjutha echoed these concerns, noting that recent court dates for the Cipher and Iddat cases were expected to yield hearings and decisions, but instead, offensive remarks were made against the PTI founder and his wife. He highlighted that a judge has recused himself from hearing the case, leading to further delays. Panjutha lamented the arrest of Shah Mehmood Qureshi on May 9 and noted that his case has also been postponed, with bail proceedings ongoing for Malik Riaz. He expressed frustration over the repeated delays, warning that failure to meet demands for justice could lead to significant unrest, reminiscent of the 1971 crisis. Panjutha conveyed the PTI founding chairman’s message that he is not a traitor and is prepared to face new charges, but insists that proceedings should be broadcast live.