PTI and allies plan nationwide protests demanding Khan’s release and constitutional protection

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

The announcement came during a joint press conference in Lahore, where leaders of the Tehreek-e-Tahafuz Ain Pakistan (TTAP) and allied groups appeared alongside senior figures of the PTI. 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 leader Ammar Jan.

Achakzai issued a harsh criticism of the current political system, alleging institutional deterioration and raising concerns about electoral processes. He also questioned the removal of PTI’s electoral symbol, calling it unprecedented. In another comment, he referred to past incidents involving security forces and civilians, warning that history shows adverse results when force is used against the public.

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

Raja said the party’s identity and Pakistan’s political landscape were inseparable from Imran, dismissing 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 that stance and emphasized that the political leadership of the PTI was linked to its founding leader. He also focused his attention on economic concerns, highlighting rising inflation and the challenges facing workers and farmers. He said the party would engage with worker and farmer groups to address their grievances, while also opposing recent increases in energy and fuel prices.

Several speakers called on the judiciary and the legal community to uphold the rule of law. Khosa, in his comments, criticized the recent constitutional amendments and expressed concern about their implications for judicial independence and the ongoing legal proceedings involving Khan.

In a statement issued separately, PTI flagged what it said were 1,000 days of Imran’s detention, describing them as illegal and politically motivated, an allegation the government has consistently denied.

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

The party also commented on a recent Reporters Without Borders report, expressing concern about what it called growing pressure on press freedom in Pakistan. It alleged increased censorship and harassment of journalists, and urged authorities to ensure the protection of media workers and defend freedom of expression.

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

The planned demonstrations come at a time of heightened political polarization, with opposition parties stepping up criticism of the government while facing legal and organizational challenges.