Imran Khan, the founder of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), called for action against Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi on Monday, urging that he ‘undergo surgery’ after failing to conduct fair elections. This was in response to Naqvi’s remarks made the previous day, where he suggested that significant changes would occur in the national team following their six-run defeat to India in the T20 World Cup 2024.
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Naqvi had stated that a “major surgery” was necessary for the team. “Initially, I believed a minor surgery would suffice, but after this poor performance, it’s clear that a major overhaul is needed. The nation will soon witness substantial changes,” he said.
Speaking informally to journalists at Adiala Jail’s courtroom, Khan criticized the authorities, highlighting ongoing security issues. “Our soldiers are being martyred, and robberies are occurring in Islamabad, yet they do not care,” Khan remarked. He accused Mohsin Naqvi of being the biggest beneficiary of favoritism and alleged efforts to silence him and cover up election rigging, criticizing the Chief Election Commissioner for overseeing fraudulent activities.
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Khan also condemned actions against PTI members across Punjab, noting disruptions to gatherings and detentions of party members at conventions. He mentioned a raid on PTI leader Shibli Faraz’s residence and urged his party to prepare for nationwide protests.
The former premier announced plans for legal action against the jail superintendent, IG prisons, and an in-house colonel for restricting his interactions with family, lawyers, and political leaders to 30 minutes each, with no more than six people allowed to visit.
Khan also complained about being denied the same privileges as Nawaz Sharif and Asif Zardari when they were in prison, who received home-cooked meals and frequent visits. When asked about the presence of PML-N MNA Barrister Aqeel Malik in the courtroom, Khan responded that PML-N and PTI MNAs should visit the jail.
Following this, a journalist inquired about the relevance of the Hamoodur Rahman Commission report to the current situation. Khan consulted with his lawyer, Intazar Hussain Panjutha, before the jail staff asked the media to leave the courtroom.