To mark the first anniversary of Imran Khan’s imprisonment, the PTI and its allies held a major rally in Swabi on Monday, calling for the former prime minister’s release.
The event took place in Shahmansoor Town, with PTI leaders and supporters from across the nation braving the heat to participate. Attendees waved party flags and carried portraits of Imran Khan, urging the government to release him immediately.
PTI leaders announced that they would continue their campaign by organizing rallies in various cities, including Islamabad and Lahore. They urged supporters to prepare for these upcoming events to maintain pressure on the federal government. The Islamabad rally is scheduled for either the last week of August or the first week of September.
PTI leader Asad Qaiser emphasized the importance of maintaining pressure, asserting that reducing it would mean losing the initiative gained through significant sacrifices.
Barrister Gohar criticized the government for using false charges against Imran Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi, in an attempt to undermine their popularity. He called for an independent judiciary free from political interference.
Mahmood Khan Achakzai, leader of the Pashtoonkhwa Milli Awami Party and a PTI ally, supported the call for constitutional supremacy and criticized the notion of “engineered” elections. He reiterated the need for parliamentary supremacy and adherence to constitutional roles by all institutions.
Omar Ayub conveyed Imran Khan’s message regarding the military and accused the PML-N of trying to create a rift between the nation and the Pakistan Army. He stated that the PTI leadership was determined to counter this attempt.
KP Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur asserted that Islamabad is a city for all provinces and called for Imran Khan’s unconditional release, asserting his innocence.
In a separate protest near the US Capitol, PTI supporters in the US urged Washington to reconsider its stance on Islamabad and support efforts to restore democracy in Pakistan. Former National Assembly deputy speaker Qasim Suri criticized the treatment of PTI leaders and appealed to the US administration and international human rights organizations for their release.