PESHAWAR: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Secretary General Salman Akram Raja on Friday announced that the party would launch a nationwide movement on August 5 to mark the second anniversary of party founder Imran Khan’s incarceration.
“The recent 10-year sentences handed down to elected representatives are a grave miscarriage of justice. We will resist attempts to suppress constitutional and democratic rights through politically motivated cases and state coercion,” he said while addressing a press conference at the Information Cell in the Civil Secretariat, Peshawar.
Salman Akram Raja said the verdicts announced a day earlier reflected a dark chapter in the country’s judicial history.
“Elected public representatives have been sentenced to 10 years over the deaths of two employees. Such punishments are unprecedented and unacceptable in any civilised democracy,” he stated.
He said PTI would challenge the sentences in court but expressed concern over the state of judicial independence after the 26th Constitutional Amendment.
“Everyone knows what has become of the judiciary after the amendment. These decisions are designed to instill fear among the people,” he remarked.
Despite what he called an oppressive political environment, Salman Akram Raja said PTI would continue its struggle within the bounds of the Constitution.
“We are not among those who flee the country. We are fighting for Pakistan’s survival and the future of its democratic institutions,” he said.
He clarified that the August 5 protest would not be a one-off demonstration but the beginning of a full-fledged movement that would mobilise people from all provinces.
“We are standing with the oppressed of Punjab, the displaced families of Tirah, and the neglected citizens of Balochistan. This is a national cause,” he stated.
Commenting on the deteriorating security situation, the PTI leader said discussions had been held with the KP chief minister, who acknowledged that militants affiliated with banned outfits such as the TTP and Daesh were present in certain regions.
“According to the chief minister, these elements are hiding in civilian homes. I again urge him to ensure that any counterterrorism operation is conducted with the trust and cooperation of local residents,” he added.
He also raised concerns about the deliberate obstacles to meeting Imran Khan in prison.
“On August 5, our party founder will complete two years in jail. Despite being subjected to fabricated cases, he remains steadfast. Attempts are being made to isolate him from the party leadership,” he said. The PTI leader warned against the sale of party tickets, saying political loyalty and grassroots activism must take precedence.
“The first right to PTI tickets belongs to workers, not those with deep pockets. The Political Committee finalised six Senate nominations, including Mashal Yousafzai, whose name was personally approved by Imran Khan from prison,” he stated.
Appealing to the public, the PTI secretary general urged citizens to join the movement for the restoration of constitutional rule. “We call on the people of Pakistan to come forward, raise their voices, and reclaim their democratic space. This is a battle for the soul of our country,” he concluded.