PTI stages protests to demand Imran Khan’s release

PESHAWAR: The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) staged protests on Friday here and in other cities of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to demand the release of the party founder Imran Khan and an end to what was described as “state oppression.”

The PTI workers gathered outside the Peshawar Press Club, where Senator Faisal Javed Khan led the protest, reiterating PTI’s demands for the release of the party founder.“Imran Khan is being held on baseless charges. His imprisonment is a direct assault on democracy and the will of the people,” Faisal Javed said, addressing the party workers who also included a good number of women. He said the former prime minister had been in custody for over one year after his conviction in a controversial case that he said was politically motivated. Faisal Javed emphasized that these protests were not limited to Peshawar.

“This movement stretches across the country. Every corner of Pakistan is standing up today to reject the illegal 26th constitutional amendment and to demand the restoration of the people’s mandate,” he said.

He called for an end to what he termed the “targeted harassment” of PTI leaders and urged the Supreme Court to intervene and ensure that PTI receives its rightful special seats in the national and provincial assemblies. Protests were staged as well in other parts of the KP which were led by the KP ministers and PTI leaders. Sher Afzal Marwat led a rally in Lakki Marwat. He said Imran Khan’s ideals continued to inspire PTI’s supporters. “Imran Khan’s name is enough to bring people together. He may be absent physically, but his vision is with us,” Marwat said.