Imran Khan issues video message from hiding

8220;If we don8217;t resist, it will take Pakistan on the path of destruction,8221; Khan said in the short video message broadcast on private Geo television. It did not say how it obtained the tape. He was filmed against a plain grey background and was unshaven, speaking animatedly into the camera.

8220;Imran is safe. From an unknown place he is leading the movement,8221; said retired Admiral Jawaid Iqbal, a spokesman for Khan8217;s Movement for Justice Party.

8220;For his security we are not disclosing his location. But he will soon be with the people of Pakistan. The situation in Pakistan is worse than Iraq at the moment,8221; Iqbal added. Khan had sent an e-mail to the media on Monday, accusing the General of using 8220;sheer force8221; against lawyers, human rights groups and political activists and throwing Opposition leaders in jail.

8220;The police have ransacked my house and ill-treated my family members,8221; he said in a statement published by Britain8217;s Press Association news agency alongside comments from his ex-wife, the socialite Jemima Khan.

Jemima Khan said the police ransacked her ex-husband8217;s home and 8220;roughed up8221; his family. 8220;He managed to escape just before they returned with an arrest warrant to cart him off to Kot Lakpat jail.