ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan has issued a new strategy for nationwide protests on August 14, telling his party leadership and support base not to be intimidated by arrests or coercion.
This was made public by Khan’s sister Aleema Khan while speaking outside Adiala Jail on Wednesday.
She stated that the imprisoned ex-prime minister issued a warning to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur and the provincial government, telling them to revisit their stance if they cannot prevent the ongoing crackdown on PTI workers.
Imran Khan, as per Aleema, stated that repeated targeting of party workers was an endeavour to disseminate hatred against PTI, and urged these matters to be addressed by local jirgas.
She also attested that Khan was finally permitted to meet his wife, Bushra Bibi, and sister Uzma Khan within jail, and was thankful for the reunion.
Imran Khan ‘happy with PTI Aug 5 protests
Aleema and Advocated Khalid Yousaf Chaudhry, who also encountered Imran Khan inside prison, stated that Imran Khan was pleased with the PTI August 5 protests. “Imran Khan pointed out that in spite of state oppression, injustice, and pressure, the people again took to the streets – an event he called a positive one,” stated Aleema Khan.
“The level of cruelty we’re witnessing today is unprecedented,” Khan was quoted as saying, adding that the rule of law has vanished in the country, and media freedoms are being crushed. “But sacrifices will have to be made for freedom,” he said.
PTI candidate Advocate Chaudhry added that Imran Khan commended the turnout of supporters at PTI protests throughout Pakistan, stating that the nation had “brought down the wall of fear” and had ventured out for the first time since November 26.
‘One-sided jail trial stopped’
Advocate Chaudhry said today’s interaction with Imran was facilitated after Barrister Salman Safdar was able to stop the proceedings of the court for almost three hours by raising objections regarding the one-sidedness of the jail trial.
The court resumed today the Toshakhana-II jail trial of Imran Khan and later permitted his lawyers and his sisters to see him. It also ordered lawyer Salman Akram Raja to be provided access to Imran Khan in future hearings for legal advice.
Chaudhry also mentioned that Khan’s television and book access had been withdrawn, which was raised before the court. The judge directed the submission of a list of books and authorized their availability.
Khalid Chaudhry mentioned that he also got to see Imran Khan’s wife and the former first lady, Bushra Bibi.
He said she had told him, “It is only Allah who has kept us standing, and we shall remain firm.” She complained that her daughters had been denied the opportunity to see her, and that their appointed attorney, Zaheer Abbas Chaudhry, had also been prevented from visiting.
The attorney further stated that Imran Khan congratulated the leadership of Tehreek Tahafuz Ayeen-e-Pakistan (TTAP) for organizing a successful all-parties conference with 32 parties present.
Concluding his X post, Chaudhry praised Barrister Salman Safdar’s legal strategy, which he claimed had resulted in the partial restoration of family and lawyer visits.
