ISLAMABAD – Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leaders set a two-week deadline for release of incarcerated leader, Imran Khan in major rally in Islamabad’s Sangjani locality, where tensions with police led to clashes.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, and other PTI leaders addressing the rally, threatened direct action if the former prime minister was not released within the given timeframe, asserting he would take the lead himself if necessary.
The rally, which had been rescheduled twice due to revoked permissions, was held under a no-objection certificate (NOC) despite high security and roadblocks imposed by authorities in capital.
PTI leaders demanded immediate release of their jailed founder, and threatened violence if he was not freed within a given timframe. Firebrand politicians criticised military establishment and incumbent government, over scores of cases against PTI founder.
Despite logistical challenges and roadblocks, the rally saw a notable turnout. PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar affirmed Khan’s leadership and criticized the administration for obstructing access to the event.
The rally participants faced complications as Islamabad district administration imposed 7 pm deadline for its conclusion. Despite the deadline, the rally continued, leading to clashes between PTI supporters and police.
Khan has been in prison for a year but remains a significant political force. Despite his imprisonment, the influence of cricketer turned cricketer-turned-politician persists through media and social media, and his supporters and party leaders continue to push for his release.
The former premier has been jailed on several charges since August 5th 2023, and while he has faced severe sentences, recent legal victories, such as the dismissal of some sentences and a UN panel’s declaration of his detention as arbitrary, have not led to his release.
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