PTI rally seeks impartial probe into May 9 incidents

By Bureau report
May 12, 2025
Supporters and activists of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) hold flags at a rally in Peshawar. — AFP/File
Supporters and activists of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) hold flags at a rally in Peshawar. — AFP/File 

PESHAWAR: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) on Sunday staged a protest to mark the second anniversary of what the party called the “unlawful arrest” of former prime minister Imran Khan from the Islamabad High Court premises on May 9, 2023.

A large number of PTI leaders and workers participated in the demonstration, including PTI Peshawar Region General Secretary Sher Ali Arbab, district president Irfan Saleem and others.Addressing the gathering, party leaders condemned the arrest of Imran Khan. They alleged that Khan was arrested in a humiliating and illegal manner from the court premises, which they said severely damaged the sanctity of the judiciary and the rule of law in the country.

Speakers also denounced the alleged state-led crackdown on PTI workers following the May 9 incident. They demanded a transparent investigation into the events and called for accountability of those responsible.

“The struggle for justice and the release of our leader will continue,” said Sher Ali Arbab, adding that PTI would not be silenced until Imran Khan is freed and the constitution is upheld.Participants in the protest called for the immediate release of Imran Khan and urged authorities to ensure his safety and uphold the rule of law.

In Mardan, the rally was led by PTI regional president MNA Muhammad Atif Khan, Provincial Food Minister Zahir Shah Toru, Special Assistant to CM Tufail Anjum, Provincial Assembly Members Iftikhar Ali Mashwani, Abdul Salam Afridi, Tariq Mehmood Aryani and other leaders. The rally was started from Pakhtunkhwa house (circuit house). The rally consisted of hundreds of vehicles, motorcycles and rickshaws, passed through various markets of the city and finally concluded at Bacha Khan chowk.

Addressing at different places, the speakers said that Imran Khan is the leader of the country’s largest political party and a symbol of national solidarity, therefore, the current situation in the country demands that Imran Khan be released immediately.