Asim Munir is attempting to implement in Pakistan is entirely misguided.

USPA NEWS - The concept of a ‘hard state’ that Asim Munir is attempting to implement in Pakistan is entirely misguided. In its true sense, a “hard state” is one where the Constitution reigns supreme, justice remains independent, democratic freedoms are protected, and the national interest outweighs personal gain.

In contrast, Asim Munir’s notion of a ‘hard state’ signifies a system in which the pillars of democracy are dismantled and ‘Asim Law’ prevails. No ‘hard state’ can ever be established without the support and will of the people. The atrocities being perpetrated under ‘Asim Law’ are not strengthening the state. They are, in fact, eroding its very foundations. No country can become strong by turning its guns on its own citizens, as witnessed on November 26th (2024) and in Muridke, where the army, paramilitary Rangers, and the police opened fire on their own people.

The people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa have given a clear and overwhelming mandate to Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf. This mandate grants me the constitutional and democratic authority to determine the province’s policies, for my accountability lies solely with the people. It is also the right of the Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Sohail Afridi, to ensure the implementation of the policies, formulated in consultation with me, for which the people reposed their trust and cast their votes in our favour.

During PTI’s tenure, prudent policies fostered peace across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and beyond. Yet, since the regime change, the nation has witnessed a consistent deterioration in stability. Over the past three years, I have consistently emphasized the need for wisdom and foresight in dealing with Afghanistan through peaceful means. The current strained relations with Afghanistan are deeply concerning. Hatred and confrontation serve no one’s interests; only policies framed by genuine representatives of the people can bring about a lasting solution to terrorism.

The baseless and fabricated cases against me are being deliberately prolonged. In the Al-Qadir University Trust case, justice has been systematically denied for the past ten months. After an extended delay, the case was finally scheduled for hearing, yet the decision on bail continues to be postponed. I instruct all PTI political leaders, members of assemblies, and lawyers to regularly attend and remain present during all court proceedings of my cases, and to continue their presence until justice is served. Participation in open-court hearings is your legal and democratic right.

During PTI’s tenure in government, Nawaz Sharif was allowed daily meetings with numerous political figures in jail, with unrestricted access to family members. Even formal dinners were arranged. In stark contrast, I am being held in complete isolation. There is no precedent for such political vendetta in Pakistan’s history.

I am not being provided the basic facilities guaranteed under prison regulations. Over the past ten months, I have been allowed to speak to my sons only once, and that too for two brief intervals of three minutes each. I am being deprived not only of my fundamental human rights but also of my rights as the head of a political party, to meet party officials and consult with them. Hurdles are constantly placed to obstruct my meetings with lawyers, political colleagues, and family members. This is a blatant violation of my fundamental and legal rights.” Message from former Prime Minister " Imran Khan " delivered through his sisters and lawyers from Adiala Jail (October 21, 2025)