Imran Khan completes one year in jail on August 5, PTI party to protest against 'indiscriminate crackdown'

August 5 (Monday) marks one year of Pakistan's former prime minister, Imran Khan's incarceration. To mark the one-year anniversary of the imprisonment of the party founder, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has announced a series of nationwide protests set for August 5. 

PTI stalwart Asad Qaiser during a press conference held in Islamabad said, "August 5 marks the day of PTI founder's arrest, we will stage protests on that day."

Geo News reports that the party said it will demand Khan's release during the demonstrations.

Qaiser also criticised the "indiscriminate crackdown" against PTI members, claiming that lawmakers and social media activists are facing a "vicious witch-hunt."

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"This crackdown is being done after the Supreme Court's verdict [on the reserved seats]," Qaiser stated, urging the apex court to take suo motu notice of the situation. 

The Supreme Court's short order on July 12 allowed PTI to secure seats reserved for women and minorities in the assemblies. The court directed PTI to submit a list of eligible candidates for these seats to the Election Commission of Pakistan within 15 days, with the commission expected to publish the list within seven days.

However, the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) have filed a review petition against the Supreme Court's decision. 

Qaiser demanded an end to the "baseless cases" against PTI leaders, highlighting the continued arrests of party members.

He further alleged that "41 MNAs are being forced to quit the party," and warned that parliament's status would be compromised if parliamentarians were treated disrespectfully. 

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He also called on all political parties to join PTI in opposing what he termed a "fake and mandate-less government."

The press event was also addressed by the party's Secretary General, Omar Ayub Khan, and other key members.

Fascism

PTI Secretary General Omar Ayub Khan echoed Qaiser's sentiments, condemning the government's mistreatment of PTI lawmakers and the enforced disappearances of party workers. He mentioned specific cases against members like Sheikh Waqas and his aides, labelling them as acts of "fascism".

The PTI leadership is planning a key session to discuss future strategies, which may include a sit-in at D-Chowk, Islamabad, among other options. Omar reiterated that fresh elections are essential to address the country's issues, aligning with the broader demands of the PTI protests.

Imran Khan's arrest

Imran Khan was arrested on August 5, 2023, from Lahore, following a court's three-year prison sentence for his involvement in the illegal sale of state gifts. 

(With inputs from agencies)