PTI’s symbolic hunger strike for Imran’s release enters fifth day

MUZAFFARABAD: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Azad Kashmir has entered the fifth day of its symbolic hunger strike in Muzaffarabad, continuing its demand for the release of all PTI detainees, including party founder and former Prime Minister Imran Khan, as well as his wife, Bushra Bibi. The hunger strike is taking place in front of the Central Press Club, where PTI activists have set up a camp to raise awareness and show their commitment to their cause.

The hunger strike, initiated by Abdul Qayyum Khan Niazi, the President of PTI Azad Kashmir, is a strategic protest aimed at drawing attention to what the party views as unjust detentions. The camp operates daily from 3 PM to 7 PM, with organizers pledging to maintain their protest until their demands are met. The camp has become a focal point for media coverage and public attention, underscoring the ongoing tension between PTI and the current government.

In recent days, PTI leaders and activists have been vocal in their support for the hunger strike. Former minister Maqbool Gujjar, a prominent figure in the party, described Khan as “the world’s renowned leader,” reflecting the high regard in which he is held by PTI supporters. He reiterated the party’s demands, calling for the immediate release of Imran Khan, Bushra Bibi, and other detainees. Gujjar emphasized that their detention represents a “grave injustice” and an affront to democratic values.

Raja Farukh Mumtaz Khan, Central Information Secretary of PTI, has also weighed in on the situation, criticizing the government led by Shehbaz Sharif for its threats to ban PTI. Khan dismissed these threats as “futile,” asserting that they are an attempt to stifle the voice of the people. He further argued that PTI represents a significant segment of the Pakistani population and that any attempt to silence the party would be in vain. “The government’s attempts to silence us will not succeed,” Khan declared. “Imran Khan is fighting for national dignity, the honour of Pakistan, and the rule of law. PTI will not compromise the public’s right to good governance.”

Local PTI activists, including Anser Peerzada, Syed Zeshan Haider, Imran Pazeer Sahibzada, Chaudhry Sajjad Peerzada, Jabar Khan Mughal, Asim Mirza, and Shazia Kiani Advocate, expressed their support for the hunger strike and broader protest. Peerzada highlighted the unity of the nation behind Imran Khan, asserting that the protest will persist until their goals are achieved and criticized the government’s apparent lack of confidence, suggesting it is rooted in their “dubious origins linked to Form 47,”.