LAHORE – Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) announced plans to stage a major public rally at Minar-e-Pakistan on August 5, calling for release of Imran Khan, who has remained behind bars since August 2023.
PTI officials said the rally is intended to express public concern over Khan’s continued detention and to mobilise supporters as part of party’s ongoing political campaign. PTI Lahore President Sheikh Imtiaz submitted a formal application to DC Lahore, requesting permission to hold the gathering at the historic venue.
In a formal request, PTI said the protest would be peaceful and aimed at highlighting the sentiments of the people regarding Khan’s imprisonment. The rally is seen as a continuation of PTI’s push for political space and legal relief following a string of setbacks since the former prime minister’s arrest.
Party leaders maintain that peaceful public demonstrations are a constitutional right and have urged authorities to facilitate the event. As of now, there has been no official response from the Lahore administration regarding the request.
The announcement comes at a time of heightened political tension in the country, with PTI vowing to intensify its efforts to secure Imran Khan’s release through democratic means.
Imran Khan’s son coming to Pakistan to join protest
Pakistani government has been accused of restricting Imran Khan’s contact with sons. A post on social media platform X, former wife of Khan, Jemima Goldsmith claimed that authorities threatened to arrest her sons, Suleman and Qasim if they attempted to visit father.
British socialite called the alleged threats as part of a “personal vendetta” against the former premier and his family. Several government members warned Khan’s sons against joining planned nationwide protests calling for their father’s release. The demonstrations, organized by Khan’s party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), are set to begin on August 5.
PTI officials maintain that Khan’s sons have no political ambitions and only wish to see their father. Imran Khan remains behind bars as legal proceedings continue, and his party prepares for what could be a critical political showdown in the coming weeks.
Aleema Khan says Imran Khan’s life in danger, vows to approach SC
