Former Prime Minister calls for investigation into alleged targeting of party leaders and workers by state forces in collaboration with “unknown persons”

Former Prime Minister and Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan has petitioned the Supreme Court to form a judicial commission to probe the alleged targeting and suppression of PTI leaders and workers by state authorities, accusing them of colluding with “unknown persons.” The petition, filed on Thursday, demands a comprehensive investigation into political interference and violations of constitutional rights by the government.

The petition calls for a commission to be headed by Chief Justice Yahya Afridi, with Justice Syed Mansoor Ali Shah and Justice Munib Akhtar as the two senior-most judges. The commission is tasked with identifying the individuals responsible for violations of oaths taken under the Constitution by public functionaries, as well as any unlawful acts involving political or non-political interference in state functioning.

Imran Khan’s petition, submitted by PTI Secretary General Salman Akram Raja, focuses on the protection of fundamental rights, including the rights to life, freedom of assembly, expression, movement, and fair judicial redress. The petition also includes a plea against the government’s actions regarding the denial of a no-objection certificate (NOC) for a planned PTI political rally, which was originally scheduled for November 24, 2024.

The petition names several ministries from both federal and provincial governments as respondents and demands that the Supreme Court issue strict directions to curb the misuse of certain legal powers, including the Maintenance of Public Order Ordinance (MPO), Section 144 of the CrPC, and arbitrary detention orders.

Imran Khan’s legal team highlights the unlawful use of the MPO to arrest political workers, civil rights activists, and opposition figures. It also points to the discriminatory application of laws meant to suppress dissent and discourage peaceful political activity. The petition seeks to prohibit the authorities from repeatedly filing FIRs (First Information Reports) against the same individuals, as well as limiting the power of arrest by requiring court approval before any arrest can be made.

The PTI petition highlights a series of harassment tactics employed by the state, including fabricated charges, mass detentions, and violations of citizens’ basic rights. It stresses that these actions have been carried out with the objective of stifling political opposition and eroding trust in Pakistan’s democratic institutions.

The former Prime Minister’s request for a judicial inquiry underscores his party’s growing concerns about political repression under the current government and the deteriorating human rights situation in Pakistan. As tensions mount, the PTI and its supporters are hoping the Supreme Court will intervene to safeguard the constitutional rights of Pakistan’s citizens and ensure justice for those who have been unjustly targeted.