RAWALPINDI:Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder and former Prime Minister Imran Khan has issued a second open letter to Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Asim Munir, raising concerns about the increasing divide between the military and the public. He also alleged serious human rights violations during his time in detention.
The letter, which was shared via his official Twitter account on Saturday, accuses authorities of manipulating the electoral process, interfering with the judiciary, and engaging in political persecution.
Echoing his earlier letter from February 3, Imran reiterated his concern over the perceived widening disconnect between the people and the military. However, security sources refuted claims about the letter’s receipt, dismissing related media reports.
In his latest communication, Imran stated that his previous letter was written with sincere intentions for the country’s welfare, aiming to mend the growing rift between the army and the public. He lamented that his concerns were met with disregard and irresponsibility.
“As a former Prime Minister and leader of the country’s largest political party, my life has been dedicated to Pakistan. My public service spanning 55 years and my earnings over three decades are transparent. My only concern is the image of our military and the impact of the widening gulf between the people and the army,” he wrote.
Imran asserted that if the public were consulted on the six key issues he highlighted, an overwhelming majority—90%—would endorse his stance.
He accused intelligence agencies of manipulating elections to install a compliant government, coercing Parliament into passing the 26th Amendment to exert control over the judiciary, and appointing judges based on vested interests.
Additionally, he claimed that dissent is being stifled through oppressive laws such as PECA, while economic instability is being exacerbated by political interference. He further alleged that a state-backed crackdown on PTI is underway, with institutions being misused for political maneuvering.
Imran warned that such actions not only erode public trust but also further strain civil-military relations.
The former premier also decried alleged mistreatment in prison, stating that authorities have subjected him to harsh conditions to pressure him into submission.
“The prison administration has committed every possible injustice against me, violating my basic rights. I have been confined in a death cell, kept in complete isolation for 20 days without access to sunlight. At one point, my electricity was cut off for five days, leaving me in total darkness. My exercise equipment and TV were taken away, and even newspapers were withheld. Books were arbitrarily denied, and beyond those 20 days, I was again placed in isolation for 40 hours. In six months, my sons have only been allowed to speak with me three times.”
Imran also claimed that judges are being subjected to intense pressure to convict him and his wife. He cited an incident where a judge’s blood pressure spiked five times due to stress, necessitating hospitalization.
He further alleged that he has been wrongfully convicted in four cases, reinforcing his belief that the legal system is being weaponized against him.
Concluding his letter, Imran emphasized that for Pakistan’s stability and security, the gap between the military and the people must be bridged. He asserted that the only way to achieve this is for the army to adhere to its constitutional role, withdraw from political affairs, and focus on its designated responsibilities. He warned that if this course is not taken, the growing divide could turn into a serious national security threat.
