ISLAMABAD (Web Desk) – Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has announced plans to hold nationwide rallies on August 5 to mark two years since party founder and former prime minister Imran Khan was jailed, with the party vowing to intensify its campaign for his release and launch a broader political movement across the country.
The decision was taken during a meeting of the PTI parliamentary party chaired by party chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan. Addressing a press conference after the meeting, Barrister Gohar said lawmakers unanimously agreed to organize peaceful demonstrations across Pakistan, describing August 5 as a significant day for the party and its supporters.
He said the meeting had originally been called to discuss parliamentary affairs but the country’s overall political situation dominated discussions. According to him, PTI lawmakers expressed serious concern over what they described as the continued imprisonment of Imran Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi.
Barrister Gohar said every PTI member of parliament believes the former prime minister is being held unjustly and reiterated the party’s position that legal proceedings against its founder are politically motivated.
He said the party has pursued legal remedies through the courts and continues to await decisions on several pending appeals. Despite repeated court hearings, PTI leaders maintain that delays in the judicial process have prolonged uncertainty surrounding Khan’s legal cases.
The PTI chairman announced that the parliamentary party had authorized the leadership to coordinate with the party’s political committee and the opposition alliance to finalize a comprehensive strategy for future protests and political activities.
According to Barrister Gohar, the August 5 rallies will differ from previous demonstrations. While he did not disclose detailed plans, he indicated that the party intends to adopt a broader and more organized approach aimed at mobilizing supporters nationwide.
PTI has called on workers, office-bearers and elected representatives to prepare for the protests, which are expected to take place simultaneously in major cities and districts across Pakistan.
The announcement follows recent appeals by Imran Khan’s sister, Aleema Khan, who urged party workers to intensify efforts for the former prime minister’s release.
Addressing workers in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Lower Dir earlier this week, Aleema Khan said the time had come for party supporters to seek justice and accountability through peaceful political activism.
She urged workers to remain united and organized while following instructions issued by the party leadership. She also called on PTI lawmakers to actively participate in the anti-government movement instead of remaining on the sidelines.
Imran Khan has remained in prison since August 2023 after being convicted in a case involving the sale of state gifts. Since then, he has faced numerous legal proceedings, including cases related to corruption, terrorism and other allegations.
PTI maintains that the cases are politically motivated and intended to prevent Khan from participating in national politics. The former prime minister has consistently denied all allegations against him.
Several convictions have since been suspended or overturned by higher courts, while appeals in multiple cases remain pending.
The party has also repeatedly expressed concern about Khan’s health during his incarceration.
Last month, the former prime minister was taken to the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) for follow-up treatment related to an eye condition.
Doctors administered his fifth intravitreal injection as part of ongoing treatment for central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO), a condition caused by blockage of the main vein draining blood from the retina.
Medical experts have noted that the condition is commonly associated with cardiovascular risk factors, including hypertension, diabetes, high cholesterol and heart disease.
PTI leaders have frequently raised concerns regarding Khan’s access to medical care and prison facilities, while authorities have maintained that he is receiving treatment in accordance with medical advice.
