Imran Khan accused the military and its intelligence service of openly trying to destroy his political party. Khan is the most popular leader in the country of 220 million people, according to opinion polls.
The year-long standoff between Khan and the military came to a head when military buildings and property were looted last month. Khan described the violent protests that erupted after his brief arrest as a "fabricated operation" intended to target him. He said he had "no doubt" that he would face military trial and be imprisoned.