Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) is staging nationwide protests on Wednesday as its founder and former prime minister Imran Khan completes three years in jail.
The party’s main public gathering is scheduled for Peshawar. PTI’s official X account says people are protesting worldwide against 3 years of unlawful imprisonment of Imran Khan in Rawalpindi’s Adiala jail. PTI leaders have called on supporters to hold rallies and demonstrations across the country.
In Karachi, the party plans to protest outside the Karachi Press Club. PTI also sought permission to hold a rally at Rawalpindi’s historic Liaquat Bagh. But, reports say the local administration turned down the request. In Karachi, authorities had not issued a final decision till the filing of this report.
Political observers believe Punjab is unlikely to allow large PTI gatherings. Smaller protests are expected in Karachi and parts of Sindh, while the biggest crowds are anticipated in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, where the PTI is in power.
PTI Peshawar Jalsa:
A large turnout is expected at the Peshawar rally, where Imran Khan’s sister, Aleema Khan, is likely to address supporters. She has been leading the party’s campaign against what PTI describes as her brother’s “illegal detention.” Aleema has already addressed public meetings across KP. However, Punjab government had not allowed her to hold a rally in Imran Khan’s hometown of Mianwali a couple of days ago.
Alongside street protests, PTI has launched an aggressive social media campaign marking Khan’s three years behind bars. The party’s official X and Facebook accounts have been sharing messages from senior leaders, while hashtags demanding Khan’s release have gained traction online.
PTI leaders maintain that the party won the 2024 general elections but that its mandate was taken away through manipulation of election results. They also argue that the Supreme Court had unfairly deprived PTI of its election symbol before the polls. The authorities, however, rejected allegations of systematic rigging.
The party insists Imran Khan remains Pakistan’s most popular political leader. They say the authorities are delaying legal relief in the cases against him. Analysts, meanwhile, say Khan’s future largely depends on how the country’s broader political landscape evolves. PTI continues to reject any suggestion of a political deal for his release.
