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

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

At a news conference, Raja criticized the government’s handling of essential 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 metric tonnes of wheat, potentially rising to five million metric tonnes, had gone missing due to government negligence and alleged collusion with hoarders.

“These hoarders enjoy full state patronage, 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 well-being 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 the August 5 demonstration to the highway

He also claimed that Punjab had provided Rs 806 billion to the federation, funds which he said were originally meant for health and education, while successive fuel price increases remained a burden on citizens.

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

He said Imran had been offered a transfer to his residence in Bani Gala, but had decided to remain in jail to maintain his stand 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 turnout of 10 million people would end the current system.

He said PTI leader Sohail Afridi was expected to make key announcements on the August 5 protest strategy.

Read also: PTI criticizes the increase in fuel prices and the wheat crisis

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

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