PTI and its allies plan nationwide rallies to demand Khan’s release and constitutional protection

The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and its allies announced a series of rallies on Saturday aimed at what they described as the protection of the Constitution and the release of party founder Imran Khan, as political tensions continue to simmer across the country.

The announcement was made at a joint press conference in Lahore, where leaders of the Tehreek-e-Tahafuz Ain Pakistan (TTAP) and allied groups appeared alongside senior PTI officials. Among those present were TTAP chief Mahmood Khan Achakzai, PTI general secretary Salman Akram Raja, senior leader Asad Qaiser, lawyer Sardar Latif Khosa, Umar Dar and Haqooq-e-Khalq party chief Ammar Jan.

Achakzai delivered a scathing critique of the current political system, alleging institutional decline and raising concerns about electoral processes. He also questioned the removal of PTI’s election symbol, calling it unprecedented. In a separate remark, he referred to past incidents involving security forces and civilians, warning that history shows harmful consequences when force is used against the public.

PTI leaders reiterated their central demand: the release of Imran, who remains in detention.

Raja said Pakistan’s party identity and political landscape were inseparable from Imran, rejecting suggestions that the former prime minister could be sidelined. He urged workers, farmers and broader segments of society to support what he described as a democratic struggle, adding that public movements have historically proven difficult to suppress.

Qaiser echoed this stance, emphasizing that the PTI’s political orientation was linked to its founding leader. He also focused on economic concerns, highlighting rising inflation and the challenges facing workers and farmers. He said the party would engage with workers’ and farmers’ groups to address their grievances, while opposing recent increases in energy and fuel prices.

Several speakers called on the justice system and legal community to uphold the rule of law. Khosa, in his remarks, criticized the recent constitutional amendments and expressed concerns over their implications on judicial independence and ongoing legal proceedings involving Khan.

In a statement released separately, the PTI highlighted what it said was Imran’s 1,000 days of detention, describing it as illegal and politically motivated – an allegation the government has consistently denied.

The party claimed that restrictions on access to family members and lawyers, as well as reported health problems, constituted violations of fundamental rights. He renewed his demand for immediate release of Imran and other political detainees.

The party also commented on a recent Reporters Without Borders report, expressing concern over what it called growing pressure on media freedom in Pakistan. He reported increased censorship and harassment of journalists, urging authorities to ensure protection of media workers and respect freedom of expression.

So far, there has been no immediate response from government officials to the latest statements. Authorities have previously maintained that legal proceedings against PTI leaders, including Imran, were being carried out in accordance with the law.

The planned rallies come at a time of increased political polarization, where opposition parties are stepping up their criticism of the government while grappling with legal and organizational challenges.