Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan will lead a nationwide protest movement from prison, aiming to escalate the campaign by August 5 — the day marking two years of his incarceration, according to his sister Aleema Khan.
Speaking to journalists after a visit to Adiala Jail with sisters Noreen Niazi and Uzma Khan, Aleema revealed that Imran Khan considers himself “free behind bars” while his supporters are “prisoners outside.” She said the entire family, including Imran's sons Suleman and Kasim Khan, would join the movement upon returning from the United States.
Khan, she said, had warned party leaders unwilling to shoulder the burden of the movement to step aside. Aleema did not disclose the protest route or full plan but confirmed that the party would unveil its strategy shortly now that the 10th of Muharram has passed.
Aleema also criticised Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, blaming her for the solitary confinement of both Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi, who allegedly have not been allowed contact with family or access to television, newspapers, or Khan’s personal physician for the past 10 months.
Meanwhile, PTI’s incarcerated senior leaders, including Shah Mahmood Qureshi and Dr Yasmin Rashid, issued another letter from Kot Lakhpat Jail, accusing the government of dismantling democratic institutions. They alleged that parliament had been reduced to a rubber stamp, the media was under censorship via the PECA ordinance, and the judiciary was compromised through constitutional amendments.
“The Charter of Democracy has been betrayed,” the letter read, demanding a return to constitutional supremacy and rule of law.
In a strong response, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Rana Sanaullah warned that Imran’s sons could face arrest if they participate in the protest. Speaking to media, Rana Sanaullah argued that their British citizenship and lack of understanding of Pakistan’s political climate could only bring them “trouble.” He criticised PTI’s history of violent protests and ruled out tolerance for “incitement disguised as political activity.”
The government, he asserted, will allow only peaceful, democratic demonstrations, and any provocation would be dealt with “according to the law.”
With tensions building and August 5 approaching, Pakistan may witness another volatile chapter in its political crisis.