"I'd prefer to die in jail rather than accept slavery of Yazid," says Imran Khan

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan once again came down hard on government alliance, including Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) and other political parties.

He expressed his commitment to standing up against oppression in an informal conversation with journalists at Adaila jail on Thursday.

"I am being told how dare I stand in front of the powerful, I would prefer to die in jail rather than accept the slavery of Yazid," the former prime said.

Journalists present at the meeting protested against allegations made by Imran Khan's sister, Aleema Khan, that some private channel reporters were affiliated with agencies.

"I do not know why Aleema made this statement. I will ask her about it. I am telling you that I have faith in the three reporters who were named. You are doing a great job, and I consider it a form of Jihad," Mr Khan responded.

Imran Khan also criticised the continuous lackluster performance of the Pakistan cricket team, which had suffered a historic defeat against Bangladesh in a home test series.

"The recent developments in Pakistan cricket are disastrous. Mohsin Naqvi's name was not even published in the newspapers. The world is making fun of us, saying that Bangladesh has beaten us. Our cricket cannot fall below this level." 

The veteran politician also questioned Mohsin Naqvi's qualifications for the role of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman. 

"He has no experience and no qualifications. He was brought in solely because he was liked by General Asim Munir [Chief of Army Staff]."

Regarding the country's economic situation, Khan said, "We are witnessing the lowest investment in the history of our country. The rulers are taking loans, which will lead to a new wave of inflation. Meanwhile, billions of dollars belonging to our decision-makers are stashed away in foreign countries."

"I am telling you today that our country is heading towards a revolution. They should have learned from the silent revolution of February 8 polls. Now, they are trying to undermine the Supreme Court to hide election fraud."

The cricketer-turned-politician also emphasised the need for dialogue in the country amid political and economic crisis.

"When our government comes into power, we will first conduct local body elections as planned. There is a need for dialogue in our country right now."

He also questioned the government's approach to tackling the recent wave of terrorism across the country.

"They used to tell us that the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) was our fault. Then, who is responsible for the outlawed Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) in Balochistan?"

"The intelligence agencies have been tasked with eliminating PTI, the most popular party of our country. Their job is to eliminate terrorism, not political parties."