PTI’s Salman Akram Raja calls for protest on August 5, alleges wheat crisis, political victimization

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf Secretary General Salman Akram Raja on Saturday accused the government of corruption, economic mismanagement and political victimization, urging citizens to participate in the party’s August 5 protest.

Addressing a press conference, Raja criticized the government’s handling of commodities, fuel prices and public spending, while reaffirming the party’s determination to continue what he described as its fight for public rights.

Raja expressed concern over the agricultural crisis, alleging that between four million and 4.5 million tonnes of wheat, up to five million tonnes, had disappeared due to government negligence and alleged collusion with hoarders.

“These hoarders enjoy the full patronage of the state while the direct burden falls on the poor,” he said, adding that the current system had launched what he described as a direct attack on the welfare and health of the public.

On fuel prices, Raja rejected the government’s explanation that domestic gasoline prices were simply following international trends. He pointed to neighboring countries where he said prices had remained stable, and criticized the failure to maintain national oil reserves, calling it an example of bad governance.

Read: PTI moves August 5 rally to highway ground

He also claimed that Punjab had provided Rs806 billion to the federation, funds which he said were initially intended for health and education, while successive increases in fuel prices continued to burden citizens.

Raja also criticized what he described as differences in the treatment of political leaders in prison, saying PTI founder Imran Khan remained confined to a small cell to speak on behalf of the public.

He said Imran was offered a transfer to his Bani Gala residence but chose to remain in prison to maintain his position with the people.

Reiterating the party’s plans, Raja urged citizens to peacefully take to the streets on August 5 and raise slogans for freedom. He predicted that a participation of 10 million people would end the current system.

He said PTI chief Sohail Afridi is expected to make key announcements regarding the August 5 protest strategy.

Read also: PTI denounces rise in fuel prices and wheat crisis

Raja also announced that the PTI would appeal the November 26 dismissal of the case, alleging that the witnesses were subjected to tampering and pressure tactics. He said the party would continue to fight in the streets against what he described as a political matter.

He reiterated that the PTI leadership remained committed to Imran’s narrative and would continue to demand democracy, transparency and civil liberties.