Khan’s primary rival, three-time Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, is due to return to Pakistan next week to lead his party through the elections, ending a four-year self-imposed exile in London.
Sharif was barred from contesting the last general election in 2018, which Khan won with popular support, an anti-corruption manifesto and the backing of the powerful military establishment.
“Don’t give up,” Khan told his supporters in Thursday’s statement.
“Keep raising your voice against this unelected group of looters and their enablers on every platform and demand fair and transparent elections in the country.”