Standing Firm: Narrating the Fight for Justice in Pakistan
The Start of a Battle
Standing in court today, I felt the weight of an unfair system bearing down on us. A criminal case had been registered against us in the marketplace, and charges were filed without any solid evidence. To make matters worse, we haven’t even received a copy of the charge sheet. Despite repeated requests for this crucial document, our pleas seem to fall on deaf ears. This isn’t just negligence; it’s a blatant disregard for legal processes. Our call for CCTV footage—a key piece of evidence—remains unanswered.
What struck me most was how this one case stands isolated while other FIRs have been separated. The accusations revolve around incitement, but there’s no proof. Those who stayed loyal to the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) are being targeted, while others who abandoned the party are walking free. This selective justice is painful to witness.
Political Victimization in Full Force
May 9th has become a tool for political victimization, like a weapon used to crush voices of dissent. Every PTI leader who has stood firm is now entangled in dozens of baseless cases. For example, one leader is facing charges in 48 different cases related to that single day. This isn’t justice; it’s a strategy to silence opposition.
The government thrives on creating fear. It doesn’t address real issues—instead, it spins tales around May 9th. They refuse to allow media access to court proceedings, leaving room for one-sided narratives. We filed a request to let media representatives in, arguing that transparency is the only way to counter fake news. Across the world, open trials ensure accountability. Why can’t we do the same here?
Imran Khan’s Resilience
Despite all this, Imran Khan remains unshaken. Today, his prison conditions were discussed again in court. Requests for basic legal rights continue to pile up. Chief justices and judicial leaders need to step up. As a practicing lawyer, I’ve never felt more disheartened by our judiciary’s failure to enforce its own orders. Courts issue directives, but prison authorities and police dismiss them outright. It’s an insult to the very concept of justice.
Our workers face inhumane treatment. Just recently, 81 of them were discharged in Islamabad, only to be immediately detained again. They were treated like terrorists, not citizens standing up for their rights. This is an alarming trend. Even elected representatives attending court hearings live in constant fear of arrest.
A Call to Action
Journalists and media houses have also become victims. Many remain silent, fearing repercussions. Others, like Asma Shirazi and Absar Alam, continue to speak up. We need their voices more than ever. Civil society must awaken from its slumber. This isn’t just about PTI; it’s about the survival of democracy in Pakistan.
Preserving Evidence and Fighting Back
Today, we requested the court preserve CCTV footage from the December 5th hearing. This footage will prove that the legal requirements for filing charges were not met. It’s crucial to substantiate our claims and expose procedural lapses.
Additionally, we filed applications under Section 265-D, demanding that all accused be discharged before charges are framed. Legally, no formal charges have been filed yet. The court must decide whether these baseless allegations warrant a trial.
Imran Khan’s Message
Khan’s resolve shone through during our conversation today. He reiterated his belief in standing up for the truth, no matter the cost. Even after 500 days of relentless attacks, he remains steadfast. He refuses to bow before tyranny, echoing the sentiment, “Truth always prevails.”
Khan’s family has also sacrificed a great deal. His wife, sisters, and countless party workers have faced immense hardship. Yet, they continue to stand tall. Today, Khan spoke with compassion for missing persons and martyrs and demanded justice for all.
Looking Ahead
We’re committed to exhausting every legal avenue. If justice isn’t served within Pakistan, we’ll take our case to international forums. Observers must document how this trial unfolds. Our fight isn’t just about politics; it’s about the rule of law.
We’re not militants, and we don’t carry weapons. Our strength lies in the truth and the people's support. The crackdown on mainstream and social media is an attempt to suppress our voices, but we’ll keep fighting within the constitutional framework.
A Plea for Change
The government’s foundation is built on creating fear. The day this fear subsides, the entire structure will collapse like a house of cards. Our nation cannot continue like this. I urge all stakeholders to awaken their conscience. Powerful entities must realize that their actions have far-reaching consequences. This isn’t just about today; it’s about Pakistan's future.
In conclusion, I call upon the judiciary to ensure a fair trial for Imran Khan. Like every other Pakistani, he deserves to be treated with dignity and justice. Let the system work as it should, and let truth and accountability prevail. Together, we can build a better Pakistan.
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