Anurag Kumar
The alleged audio release occurred immediately after the Supreme Court ruled that Khan’s arrest was “invalid and unlawful.” The Supreme Court ruled that the former prime minister’s detention was unlawful and ordered him to appear before the IHC at 11 a.m. tomorrow. It also stated that Imran would be held at the Police Lines Guest House, where he had been held previously, and instructed the government to ensure the PTI chief’s safety.
In the audio, which was posted by journalist Murtaza Shah, a voice believed to be that of Imran could be heard instructing Cheema to approach the apex court, ostensibly in opposition to his arrest by the National Accountability Bureau (NAB).
In the purported audio conversation that surfaced online earlier today, the PTI chief instructed Cheema to instruct Senator Azam Swati to challenge his arrest before the Supreme Court.
In the video — which features portraits of Imran and Cheema with accompanying text in Urdu indicating that it was recorded on May 10 — a voice assumed to be that of the PTI chief asks Cheema if “they had received the message,” to which Cheema responds that his message had been delivered. “We have told the high court that we will not leave until NAB produces you in court,” she says, as reported by Dawn.
Imran then allegedly informs Cheema, “Also tell Azam Swati to approach the Supreme Court… because everything they’ve done is null and void” He was also heard asking, “What is the chief justice doing?” before stating, “He does not issue correct orders.”
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The individual identified as Imran reiterates: “Speak with Azam.”
According to Dawn, PTI leader Hammad Azhar stated that the audio release was altered.
“This purported audio release mentions the chief justice of the IHC and not the Supreme Court. And this new revision is based on a conversation that occurred two days ago when Imran Khan was present in the IHC,” he tweeted.
“Authorities must realize that such actions accomplish nothing. The most pressing concern is the restoration of democracy and adherence to the Constitution,” Azhar said.
Numerous audio releases featuring prominent government and opposition figures, including Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, PTI Chairman Imran Khan, PML-N Vice President Maryam Nawaz, and others, have emerged on social media in recent weeks.
The clips, which appeared to contain casual dialogues, had raised grave security concerns regarding government offices, particularly the Prime Minister’s Office.
Prime Minister Shehbaz termed the disclosure of audio leaks a “very serious lapse” and announced the formation of a high-level committee to investigate the matter.
