As Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf founder Imran Khan completed one year in jail, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and its allies on Monday organised a large power show in Swabi to demand the former prime minister’s release.
The jalsa, held at Shahmansoor Town, saw participation from PTI leaders and workers across the country, despite the hot weather. PTI supporters waved party flags and held portraits of Imran Khan, calling for his immediate release.
In their speeches, PTI leaders announced the launch of a campaign for Imran Khan’s release, with plans for rallies in various cities including Islamabad and Lahore. They urged supporters to prepare for upcoming gatherings in these cities to maintain pressure on the federal government. The public gathering in Islamabad is expected to take place in the last week of August or the first week of September.
“If we reduce the pressure, it will mean that we have lost the initiative for which we have given numerous sacrifices,” asserted PTI leader Asad Qaiser.
Barrister Gohar accused the federal government of using various tactics to tarnish Khan’s image and popularity, but maintained that the government could not break their momentum. He called for an independent judicial system and an end to interference in judicial and political affairs.
Mahmood Khan Achakzai, head of the Pashtoonkhwa Milli Awami Party and a PTI-led opposition alliance, emphasized the need to restore the rule of law and constitutional supremacy in the country. He supported Imran Khan’s call for ‘real independence’ and advocated for the supremacy of parliament and adherence to constitutional roles by all institutions.
Omar Ayub conveyed a message from Imran Khan, stating that the PML-N was attempting to create a rift between the nation and the Pakistan Army, a move the PTI leadership vowed to counter with determination. He also condemned the alleged abductions of PTI leaders and workers by intelligence agencies.
KP Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur declared that Islamabad belonged to all provinces and no one could prevent them from holding a public gathering there. He demanded the unconditional release of Imran Khan, asserting his innocence.
Meanwhile, in Washington, PTI supporters held a protest near the US Capitol, urging the US to reconsider its stance towards Islamabad and support their efforts to restore democracy in Pakistan. Former National Assembly deputy speaker Qasim Suri criticized the imprisonment of PTI leaders on what he described as fabricated charges and appealed to the US administration and international human rights organizations for their release.
