Former Prime Minister Imran Khan in Conversation with Members of his Family - Adiala Jail (July 1, 2025) Note: This is a repost of the tweet from July 1, 2025. “Instead of going through the formality of introducing a 27th constitutional amendment through a sham parliament, it would be better to openly declare a monarchy, because what exists today is outright dictatorship, forcibly imposed on the country. The very foundation of Pakistan was laid on La Ilaha Illallah (There is no god except Allah), a declaration that liberates mankind from all forms of slavery. Our country was freed from British rule through immense sacrifices to establish a nation where every citizen would enjoy personal liberties. But the situation is completely the opposite. A mafia seeks to keep the entire nation enslaved. I am willing to endure solitary confinement in a dark prison cell, but I will never accept slavery. And that is my message to everyone: it is better to choose imprisonment than to live in such bondage. What is the value of freedom if, outside these walls, we are not truly free? Iqbal’s Shaheen (eagle) soars high, it does not live in servitude. I give this call to the entire nation, especially to the workers and supporters of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf: Launch a movement after Ashura against the tyrannical system that has gripped this country. For me, death would be better than accepting a system built on slavery. Every attempt is being made to suppress my voice so that my message does not reach the people and no one dares to stand up against oppression. But I will resist tyranny until my very last breath. I have complete faith in my Creator that this shadow of injustice will soon be lifted from Pakistan. There are four pillars integral to any democracy: the right to vote, the rule of law, moral integrity, and a free press. The 26th Constitutional Amendment has effectively dismantled all four: 1. The Right to Vote: A dictator has no need for public mandate; he governs through force. The illegitimate assemblies formed via Forms-47, and the subsequent distribution of reserved seats, have only reinforced the perception among the people that their votes hold no value. 2. The Rule of Law: The judiciary has been reduced to a subordinate department of the government. Courts are packed with handpicked judges, while independent judges have been silenced. This is a hallmark of martial law, not democracy. 3. Moral Fabric of Society: This amendment has buried all ethical values. Individuals who are not true representatives of the people now occupy seats in the assemblies. Horse-trading of assembly members continues with impunity, and even the judiciary operates under the thumb of this mafia. 4. Free Media: Under a dictatorship, the media is bound in chains. Freedom of expression has been entirely curbed. Independent journalists are being targeted, while the rest have been bought off. Peaceful protest is a fundamental democratic and constitutional right. Yet, 26 of our MPAs were suspended for staging a protest in the Punjab Assembly. I commend Ahmad Bhachar and all PTI MPAs who had the courage to challenge these pharaohs. Until our 26 members are reinstated, our elected representatives should hold their own assembly outside. The Form-47-based assemblies do not represent the people, in any case.”