Imran vows to come out on streets for ‘new Pakistan'

E-Paper | May 22, 2026

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) chief Imran Khan on Friday said that his party would come out on the streets to stage protests for building a ‘new Pakistan,’ DawnNews reported.

Speaking to party workers during a ceremony held to mark the 18th anniversary of the PTI’s foundation, he vowed to stage protests for ‘true democracy’ in the country on May 11 – the day Pakistanis observed historic first ever general elections on completion of tenure of a democratically elected government last year.

It should also be mentioned that Allama Tahirul Qadri has also announced a country-wide protest on May 11 next month. Qadri, with thousands of his followers, took to the streets in Islamabad in the run up to the historic May 11 polls demanding sweeping changes to the electoral system of the country.

Reiterating his allegation of poll rigging against ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), the PTI chief demanded the authorities to take the alleged culprits behind fixing “punctures” to task. He said that his party has neither accepted the results of the May 11 polls nor will they accept it in the future.

“People cast their votes to some people while others came out as victorious in the May 11 elections,” he alleged.

Criticisizing Geo TV and its senior anchorperson Hamid Mir, who was wounded in an attack in Karachi last week, the PTI chief said that hurling allegations at Inter Service Intelligence (ISI) was shameful.

He demanded the Pemra to look into what he alleged as ‘foreign funding’ to certain media houses.

The cricketer-turned-politician said that only a stronger army will ensure a stronger Pakistan, demanding legal proceedings for the alleged culprits of election rigging.

“Those who rigged the May 11 polls should be brought to the book under Article 6 as well,” he said in an obvious reference to the high treason trial of former military ruler Gen (retd) Pervez Musharraf.

Imran Khan also accused former chief justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry for poll rigging, saying he was also involved in “the match-fixing.”

He claimed that his party’s struggle was for a fair democratic system in the country as under the prevailing system only the rich can afford to become parliamentarians.

“The movement that started 18 years ago will build a new Pakistan,” said the PTI chief.

He said that he as the chief of ruling party in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa never appointed any person on any key government post.

Imran Khan vowed to continue his fight for basic rights of education and health for the downtrodden.

Our readers are at the heart of everything we do.
Do you have a thought to share or a way we can improve? We’d love to hear it. Reach out to us at feedback@dawn.com.

Pakistan

PTI wins provincial assembly seat vacated by PML-N

Hamid Mir defiant, still holds ISI responsible for attack

350 small dams to be built in KP, says Imran

Mohammad Masood

Apr 25, 2014 08:50pm

PTI should start protest from KPI. Imran has nothing to offer except protests. Mr Tahurul Qadri and Imran are two faces of the same coin.

Recommend 0

Salim

Apr 25, 2014 08:54pm

Imran Khan again having one of his verbal epilepsy fits.

Recommend 0

Naveed Javed

Apr 25, 2014 08:55pm

Mr. Khan with another botched attempt towards new Pakistan. I feel pity for the people who follow this brainless Taliban appeaser!!

Recommend 0

Annie

Apr 25, 2014 09:04pm

not again..

Recommend 0

Khan

Apr 25, 2014 09:13pm

He is still in election mode, IK start delivering on previous promises, your promises are like Malaysian Airline ill fated Plane which never got found.

Recommend 0

Fiz

Apr 25, 2014 09:14pm

This man has turned out to be such a disappointment. All negative talk and no action. Now he wants to undo what happened a year ago.Why did he accept the results of the elections in the first place? What a delayed reaction! I liked and respected Imran Khan, the cricketer, much more than Imran Khan, the politician.

Recommend 0

Ayesha

Apr 25, 2014 09:16pm

Imran Khan should have joined Bollywood instead of politics, all up till now he had to offer is nothing other than chanting anti US slogans, and providing support to the Talibans. And don't talk about Tahir-ul-Qadri we know his worth on Face Book .

Recommend 0

Zameer

Apr 25, 2014 09:16pm

Surprisingly he is talking some sense this time. Taking to task media, Iftikhar Chaudhary and supporting Pak armed forces is amazing. Never expected such wise delivery from him.

Recommend 0

andor

Apr 25, 2014 09:17pm

What a sad situation Pakistan has become. Pakistanis simply have no one to turn to. All these problems are a result of decades old hatred based life. Add to that the excessive indulgence in religion. Pakistanis need to change their psyche. Otherwise, their way of thinking will lead to double the problems 10 years on.

Recommend 0

Ahmed

Apr 25, 2014 09:20pm

i will participate in PTI protest on 11th May because Imran Khan is fulfilling his promise of protest against Rigging in general elections.

Recommend 0

bilal

Apr 25, 2014 09:25pm

Yes Imran Khan , there should be no sweet opposition and more importantly we should not compromise on rigging/injustice. Salute to you for being persistant despite all odds. Well done PTI and congrats on taking PK86 from PMLN.

Recommend 0

Seedoo

Apr 25, 2014 09:28pm

Let me imagine his vision for new Pakistan: 1) More powerful military that feels totally unaccountable and usurps nation's vital resources in what it calls the "interest of the nation", b) More powerful ISI no longer operating in the shadows but doing it in the open subverting democracy, rigging elections, and getting any reporter who dares to criticize them and their bosses (military) assassinated, c) Talebans openly roaming the streets spreading piety and virtue at gun points, forcing women to adorn burqas, and blowing up institutions and individuals who dare not follow their orders. Mr. I.K. you have a "FOOT IN THE MOUTH" DISESASE. Each time you try and put your best foot forward, you have to take it out of your mouth first". You were good as a cricketer and even as a philanthropist, but you are a failure as a politician, as politics is just not your cup of tea. Focus on your strengths, not on your weaknesses.

Recommend 0

Pakistani

Apr 25, 2014 09:32pm

Imran, please stay at home. Thank you.

Recommend 0

Apr 25, 2014 09:37pm

Can you please suggest something else other than sit in Mr. Dharna Khan

Recommend 0

Youth

Apr 25, 2014 09:39pm

If you can't do a thing don't promise. Now that you have candidly promised to come out on street to help make a new Pakistan, much different from the present one where negatives superceeds positives you must fulfill it or you will become a big looser. If you really strive hard for a new Pakistan then the majority will be with you.

Recommend 0

Imm the Dimm

Apr 25, 2014 09:49pm

This cry-baby will keep on crying to divert the attention of the people from his failings in KPK, where his own party-members have made a forward block against the weak & incompetent government of PTI... The people have already rejected him due to which he has lost the by election in Peshawar (NA-1) despite PTI's government in the province.

Recommend 0

a s ahmed

Apr 25, 2014 09:59pm

IK has lost his mind and gone psycho. Pakistan with pathetic leadership, pathetic constitution and omnipotent, omnipresent meddling army.

Recommend 0

Parvez

Apr 25, 2014 10:16pm

ABOUT TIME.........something will be better than nothing.

Recommend 0

bkt

Apr 25, 2014 10:23pm

But Mr. Imran, will your New Pakistan be better than the old Pakistan? Based on how much you have achieved so far, it certainly looks like the new Pakistan will be an awful place to live in. Its time the PTI started protesting against the government of KP, which is of course the PTI run government. Maybe you will listen to yourself?

Recommend 0

M. A. Naqvi

Apr 25, 2014 10:27pm

Dear Imran Khan, we support you to come out on the streets. The overseas Pakistanis are deeply concerned at the current situation in Pakistan. The present leadership offers no hope. Although adequate work is being done in KPK, such is not the case in the rest of Pakistan. The people must come out on the streets. It is their right to do so for their own well being. I support you in this efffort. For democracy to succeed, it must be free and fair. One can not expect the government to fulfill its tenure when they came to power by unfair means. To succeed in the game, one must play fairly. Your movement is the need of the hour. Something is wrong when everyone you meet voted for one candidate in your district and the results show more people voting for the other guy in the district, beyond the registered voters. A new government is the need of the hour.

Recommend 0

Ishaq Khan KP

Apr 25, 2014 10:42pm

PTI keeps getting stronger and bolder by day. Good

Recommend 0

NINO

Apr 25, 2014 11:17pm

Apart from gravitational politics, he has so far totally failed to offer any thing constructive to solve country's problems. Some one should ask for counting of votes in the few seats his party managed to win. Will he ever grow up? Mr. Khan, please let democracy take its roots in Pakistan and therefore water this plant. And you should be able to do that without aspiring to be the Prime Minister. I promise to vote for you if you deliver in LOU UK

Recommend 0

PTI Troll

Apr 25, 2014 11:27pm

Dear Burgers, Poll rigging has been PROVED. The sacking of Nadra chairman, resigning of ECP chairman, over 4,000 petitions by different political parties and individuals and above all the by-election results in which PTI has gained surprising momentum. Of course the lifaafists that run newspapers don't allow you to see that but it is really 2+2=4. And for the Taliban comments, I dont mean to gloat (well I do) but the peace talks have been an enormous success. More Taliban have been killed since the talks started than last 5 years. Plus not many bomb blasts in fact almost none - 2,3,4? In a country that experiences daily blasts! So while you sit and comment on your PCs via comfy chairs while watching the latest Brad Pitt movie, let me assure you that we are making a NayaPakistan - PTI ki kisi aik meeting mien aajao na tum log toh you wont be making such stupid and ill-informed comments.

Recommend 0

SKM

Apr 25, 2014 11:53pm

All these people with negative comments should realize that yhey are the reason Pakistan is what it is today. All those who have accepted the corrupt government thereby become part of the problem. Anyone expecting to solve everything overnight is wrong but let someone like Imran Khan at least try to put tne nation on the correct path It will take time the problems are deep rooted but with proper effort things can and will vhange. Get rid of all the criminals either by hanging them or putting them away for a long time this includes corrupt judges like Iftikhar chodri.

Recommend 0

independentthinker

Apr 25, 2014 11:54pm

Mr. Khan - forget the issues that belong to the past! Elections are long over and protesting over "poll rigging" will not get you anything. Look at what your country is facing - particularly in areas where you had won the majority! What have you done to improve the living conditions of your people. Protests will not achieve anything - action will! Will you agree not to negotiate with terrorists - rather use your energy in dismantling their infrastructure and rid Pakistan off these criminals? That is what the country is looking for, from their leader. We all thought before the elections - that you were that leader. So far you have disappointed us. And yet, you do have a chance to correct that perception!

Recommend 0

Naeem Khan

Apr 26, 2014 12:06am

Imran could not handle KPK affairs and wants to get out of the mess he has made in the province during the past ten mpnths. He is totally exposed now. However, in his bid to do so the childish character is trying to push country into anarchy.

Recommend 0

Kashif

Apr 26, 2014 01:12am

Shame on all Pakistani leaders. None of them were able to deliver any thing. Look at him, what he delivered in past 18 years? I don't have any hope from ANY leader from Pakistan. I do have hope from young generation who can make a difference but not from the LEADERS !!!

Recommend 0

nasir

Apr 26, 2014 01:23am

@Seedoo absolutely rubbish- A paindoo traditional PPP Jiyalla. Grow up, there are many issues with Pak Army and the equation is not balanced. We need more competent and capable political leaders to balance this equation.

Recommend 0

Ali

Apr 26, 2014 01:55am

Khan Saheb...take it easy, no one believes you anymore.....we have scene the change and yes we will see the new Pakistan...Your new Pakistan will have Mullah Umar as the Caliph, and you are going to be his aide, girls education will be banned and 10 inch long beard mandatory. God knows what will happen to the minority then.

Recommend 0

TZaman

Apr 26, 2014 01:55am

It is not the fault of Mr. Permanent-Complain Khan, it us the fault of the silly people who even thought that he can be a leader and supported him. So reap what you sow.

Recommend 0

Secular Mind

Apr 26, 2014 02:42am

Looks like he finally understood the politics and got taste of it in these many years.There is a serious dearth of leaders with fitted leadership in this country and if he is the best Pakistan got no wonder why State and people are in great funk! The country doesn't need a War mindless leaders are enough to put it back into stone age.

Recommend 0

nasir

Apr 26, 2014 02:58am

Go ahead PTI, bit late but not too late. IK wanted to protest but unforseen forces stopped him after elections results. Now I believe has a green light on. Let's see how he manages his rally. God bless my country.

Recommend 0

Anwar Amjad

Apr 26, 2014 02:58am

Streets are not suitable for settling political issues. By giving such calls Imran Khan will lose his own popularity.

Recommend 0

optimist

Apr 26, 2014 03:02am

He will do notthing. Imran Khan is just talk no action- a big disappointment.

Recommend 0

Fahad

Apr 26, 2014 03:32am

He's talking about rigging in election and arranging protest to provoke people on that issue, he's criticizing media that it blamed ISI for the attack on journalist Hamid Mir, why he is not giving voice to people who's relattives have been missing and some people's bodies have been found in mass graves in balochistan. He just talk what benefits him and his party.

Recommend 0

Iqbal

Apr 26, 2014 03:55am

Why am I not surprised. The guy just talks... Oh sorry I meant whines. Deliver something concrete Mr. Khan and we might listen. Meanwhile, I'll listen to some good music.

Recommend 0

Hassan

Apr 26, 2014 04:10am

This news story in narrated quite differently on express tribune, link below http://tribune.com.pk/story/700507/malicious-media-campaign-even-enemies-wont-do-this-to-isi-says-imran/ It seems that dawn is walking the same line as Geo, i,e working to impose their agenda rather then reporting facts and facilitating discussions

Recommend 0

khan

Apr 26, 2014 04:24am

Now I have feeling that Pakistan will be beating Korea,Japan and China.He is that person,who will be liked internationally.He is sincere and hard working.He is not corrupt,no one will disagree on that.Imran Khan ,I pray for you.I hope you live long enough to bring this country on right path.

Recommend 0

Shaan

Apr 26, 2014 04:34am

@Naeem Khan check their updates on how much they have achieved before making up facts please. Thanks

Recommend 0

Mirza

Apr 26, 2014 05:57am

Imran Khan was` so vocal for enlarging the tax base and taxing the rich. He has done nothing, nada , zilch, zero in this regard. he should have at-least taxed agriculture in KP.

Recommend 0

Agha Ata

Apr 26, 2014 06:35am

Protests won't make a new Pakistan. Besides, now we are doubtful about your concept of new Pakistan as well. Is it going to be a Muslim country or an Islamic country? What happened to your program of eradicating corruption in 90 days. What we understand is that you cannot remove a small nail unless you are fully in power to do so whcih is not likely to happen in near future.

Recommend 0

Saiyed zaidi

Apr 26, 2014 07:20am

ok (imrun) khan as the name pronounced In the western world. Please make it count this time around if you have something solid the whole nation will follow you make friends with somebody instead of a personna that just displays anger but has no definite answer to the whole situation. The referees are quiet harsh for a favorable decision.

Recommend 0

khan

Apr 26, 2014 07:32am

@khan yeah in talk and rhetoric.

Recommend 0

Aftab Alam Khan

Apr 26, 2014 07:35am

Criticizing Geo Channel,lts renowned anchor Hamid Mir disclosing foreign funding to Media Channels and alleging the then strong Chief Justice for poll rigging inasmuch as that he was involved in match fixing are very serious as wellas strange. The only plus point in his statement is,only strong army could ensure existence of strong Pakistan. This statement undermines and does not support democracy fot which llthe Politians made hectic efforts to remove the dictatorship from the country. Hame tu booton ki chap sunai therahi hai................aziz humwatno...

Recommend 0

Faiza G. R. Bhatt

Apr 26, 2014 07:45am

PTI has roots all over Pakistan and all shades of its peoples. its stance on Pak military and ISI is late, but better late than never. its stance on TTP was a slip, but staying quiet now is working for it. whatever PTI and IK had predicted immediately after the election campaign has come out correct - PML N and PPP noora kushti, rigged elections by the likes of Saithy and CJ, failure of PML N's youth loan scheme, etc. i am proud to have supported PTI and will continue to do it.

Recommend 0

Rhazes

Apr 26, 2014 07:49am

Imran khan is delivering on the promise of protests

Recommend 0

Syed Ahmed

Apr 26, 2014 08:04am

@Ahmed Wish you the best.

Recommend 0

Naeem Khan

Apr 26, 2014 08:40am

@Shaan everything is on papers dear, Its a mess in the KPK, PTI is a hostage in the hands of JI. What did Imran say yesterday?? Now he wants to become a political shaheed.

Recommend 0

Talha

Apr 26, 2014 09:15am

The fact of the matter is that Imran Khan is truely sincere to his cause of cleansing Pakistan from corruption, terrorism, illiteracy and mismanagement. The fact of the matter is that one man alone can't just redefine the course of this nation because there is so so much mess. I don't mean to say that we need more such leaders. What I mean to say is that the common man in today's Pakistan isn't doing much for improving Pakistan. The literate class is either moving out of the country or just using social media to express its views, which isn't enough. The corrupt class is busy looting and bullying. Terrorists are busy terrorizing and the poor are busy making their ends meet through hard day's labor or illegal means. I am a part of this system. I think if we want to eradicate the terrorist and corrupt classes then the literate class, which I think is the strongest, needs to get out of its comfort zone, start acting tough and start helping educate the poor class, which is illiterate and great in number, gain the trust of the poor class and make them literate and help them find jobs. Then only the poor turned literate and the already literate would be able to fight corruption and terrorism. This is not just a single man's job. The literate and the poor really need to work hard in a concerted effort to uplift Pakistan. These two classes might not reap the benefits from their own efforts but their future generations would be secured and for that they would have the satisfaction greater than enjoying today's luxuries. I consider it is an opportunity for us two classes to give our all for this nation and get registered in the history books as those who gave their all for this nation. Long live Pakistan!!

Recommend 0

Lady Columbia

Apr 26, 2014 09:20am

Hmm, so criticizing "ISI" is shaemful, but criticizing the government, judiciary, press, Amreeka, really anyone else besides PTI and TTP is fair game! Right IK? I would be shocked if IK would be naive enough to truly believe that the military - and especially the ISI - always has the genuine interests of Pakistan at heart, and that their integrity is beyond doubt to the extent that even calling for more transparency becomes a shameful act. IK is fast turning into a failed politician threatening to make Pakistan a truly failed state. And this is from someone who doesn't agree with most of what Hamid Mir has to say.

Recommend 0

El Cid

Apr 26, 2014 09:58am

@PTI Troll: So well said. So very true. Unfortunately you put pearls before swine...to put it gently. The Great Khan should clean out these Aegean Stables. The truth, the fragrance of uncorrupted fresh air that is so alien to them may be the shock therapy they need.

Recommend 0

amberina Imran

Apr 26, 2014 10:41am

@PTI Troll Burgers? Why are you addressing your party fellows? remember "mera dost garmi main kharab ho raha hai!!' Burgerism at it's best!! Hahahaha!

Recommend 0

Adnaan

Apr 26, 2014 05:43pm

Khan sb, You should consider KP as your victory, this is your opportunity to make KP the best of the best so all other regions could follow you,

Recommend 0

Rahim

Apr 26, 2014 06:49pm

What a Joke he has become. Not surprising when you hear the vispers out of his luxury house in Banigala. What a life style!

Recommend 0

Nisar Ahmad

Apr 27, 2014 06:33am

He behaves like a kid. Failed to deliver in KP now will tie knot with people like Qadri. When he will mature and we need stability for economic development.

Recommend 0