PTI founder Imran Khan has passionately issued what he calls a ‘final call’ for a grand protest in the heart of Islamabad on November 24. This fervent rally is a response to what he condemns as the ‘stolen mandate,’ the ‘unjust arrests’ of activists, and the government’s forceful attempt to pass the contentious 26th constitutional amendment bill last month. This revelation came to light on Wednesday.
Since his controversial arrest in August 2023 on various charges, Imran’s party, PTI, has galvanized protests nationwide, demanding his release and voicing defiance against the alleged ‘rigging’ of the upcoming 2024 elections on February 8.
Following the tumultuous events of May 9, 2023, PTI leaders have faced sporadic arrests and detentions, largely as a consequence of spearheading protests throughout the country. Just a day prior, several prominent PTI figures were momentarily detained outside Rawalpindi’s Adiala Jail for violating Section 144, only to be released shortly after, following a stern warning.
Last month, a wave of arrests swept across various districts in Punjab, targeting several PTI leaders and activists for orchestrating protests. In September, top figures of the party, accompanied by 11 MNAs, were briefly taken into custody but eventually released.
In a similar crackdown, his sisters, Aleema Khan and Uzma Khan, along with a dozen dedicated party workers, were detained for allegedly leading a spirited protest in Islamabad last month. Their release came after a court granted them bail.
During her dialogue with journalists upon visiting Imran at Adiala Jail on Wednesday, Aleema passionately conveyed that this call to action for protest was an inclusive directive extending to all PTI ticket holders, parliament members, as well as the steadfast workers and supporters of the party.