Pakistan's Former Prime Minister Imran Khan has accused the military and its intelligence agency of openly attempting to destroy his political party, saying he has "no doubt" he will be tried in a military court and imprisoned, according to a media report. Khan has previously hinted at the military's involvement in a crackdown on his Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party, but his remarks in an interview at his Lahore residence on Saturday night were the most direct yet.
"It's completely the establishment," the former cricketer said when asked who was behind the crackdown. "Obviously, establishment refers to the military establishment, because they are now openly - I mean, it's not even hidden anymore - they're just out in the open," news agency Reuters quoted Khan as saying.
According to the report, a spokesman for the military did not respond to the request for comment.
A year-long standoff between Khan and the army came to a head last month when military buildings and property were allegedly ransacked by his supporters.
Political unrest has heightened uncertainty in the nuclear-armed country of 220 million people, which is also experiencing financial difficulties. Its $350 billion economy is struggling to avoid default, keep record inflation under control, and deal with a falling currency.
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Khan called the violent protests that erupted after he was briefly detained a "false flag operation" aimed at him.
Authorities have started the process of trying dozens of people, including members of his party, who are suspected of being involved in the protests in military court, which is usually reserved for service members or those classified as enemies of the state.
"That's the only way they're going to get me into prison," Khan said, adding that the military wanted to prevent him from retaking power in the November elections.
He claimed that approximately 150 criminal cases filed against him were frivolous and would be dismissed in any civilian court. "So their only hope, and because they are determined to get me out of the way, I believe they will, is to imprison me," he explained.
"I have absolutely no doubt that the military courts are meant for me," Khan, who is currently out on bail, said.
According to Amnesty International, Pakistan's military courts have previously demonstrated disregard for due process, a lack of transparency, coerced confessions, and executions following unfair trials.