Khaqan Shahnawaz Calls for Equal Rights for All, Says ‘I Don’t Trust a System That Can Be Easily Pressured or Manipulated’
- Actor Khaqan Shahnawaz says basic rights should apply equally to every political leader, regardless of party.
- He calls for Imran Khan to be provided the medical access he requires.
- The actor also questions Pakistan’s death penalty system, warning about wrongful convictions and manipulated evidence.
- He urges Pakistanis to support principles and human rights instead of changing their position according to political loyalties.
Pakistani actor Khaqan Shahnawaz has shared a video discussing Imran Khan’s medical access, human rights and Pakistan’s political culture, arguing that fundamental rights must be protected regardless of which political party or leader is affected.
In the video shared on his Instagram account, Shahnawaz said the same principle should apply if PML-N leader Maryam Nawaz were imprisoned and denied necessary medical access. His broader argument was that basic rights should not depend on whether a person belongs to a political party someone supports or opposes.
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Turning to the issue of capital punishment, Shahnawaz recalled recently arguing that the death penalty should not exist in Pakistan. He said his position had upset some people who believed those responsible for particularly serious crimes deserved execution.
Explaining his reasoning, the actor said he did not trust a system that could be pressured or manipulated with an irreversible punishment such as execution. He raised the possibility of an innocent person being sentenced on the basis of planted evidence or manipulated material, warning that emerging artificial intelligence technology could make such cases even more complicated in the future.
Shahnawaz pointed specifically to AI-generated videos, saying that while fake content can often be identified today, technological advances could eventually make it extremely difficult to distinguish genuine footage from fabricated material. He also questioned which institution could ultimately be trusted to determine whether disputed digital evidence was authentic.
The actor said Pakistanis need to develop a broader political understanding of human rights and “inalienable rights” instead of viewing such issues solely through the lens of political rivalry.
Referring specifically to former prime minister Imran Khan, Shahnawaz said he should be given the medical access he needs, describing it as an important step towards helping the country heal.
However, he said the same principle would also place a responsibility on Imran Khan. According to Shahnawaz, if Khan returns to power, he should uphold these rights for everyone and make it clear that they cannot be withdrawn based on political differences.
He warned against continuing a cycle in which political supporters condemn actions when their own leaders are targeted but celebrate similar treatment when it is directed at their opponents.
Shahnawaz reflected on Pakistan’s political environment over the past several years, saying supporters who were distressed by certain actions years ago may celebrate them today, while those who once applauded similar measures may now find themselves protesting against them.
According to him, the central debate has therefore remained unchanged because political positions continue to revolve around leaders and parties rather than consistent principles.
Concluding his message, Shahnawaz said the purpose of the video was to encourage future generations to learn from this cycle and develop a political outlook based on rights and principles rather than personalities.
