Imran Khan, the former prime minister of Pakistan, has called for nationwide “freedom” protests after his dramatic arrest on Tuesday sparked deadly demonstrations throughout the country.
“Freedom does not come easily. You have to snatch it. You have to sacrifice for it,” he said during a speech posted on YouTube on Saturday night.
The calls came a day after the Pakistani Supreme Court intervened to secure his release.
On Sunday evening, he urged followers to hold protests “at the end of your streets and villages” across the country.
Khan commented in response to ISPR Directorate-General Major General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, who had previously referred to Khan as a “hypocrite” in his remarks.
“I kept Pakistan’s flag high world over. Never has ISPR made such a statement. You should be ashamed of yourself. You have jumped into politics. Why don’t you make a political party,” he said.
Although Sunday morning in Pakistan was peaceful after five days of unrest, Khan has also promised to resume his campaign for early elections on Wednesday.
Khan accused the head of the Army, General Asim Munir, of being responsible for his “abduction”.
Meanwhile, on Saturday, the Prime Minister of Pakistan, Shehbaz Sharif, ordered that those involved in violent protests and destroying government properties be arrested within 72 hours.
The government of Pakistan is run by Pakistan’s army through the backdoor. The army appoints Pakistan’s political leaders who are completely loyal to the army.