KARACHI: A large number of workers and supporters of the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf, including women and children, gathered outside the Karachi Press Club on Sunday to demand release of party founder Imran Khan from prison.

They also denounced the 26th Amendment, which they claimed was passed in an “unconstitutional way”.

Those who gathered had come in rallies from different parts of the city. They converged outside the Karachi Press Club in the evening where they put up a solid power show.

Carrying PTI flags and placards and dancing to the tunes of party songs, the participants chanted slogans against the government “brutalities” and “illegal moves to suppress Imran Khan and his supporters”.

Party demands release of Imran Khan

Former president Dr Arif Alvi, former MPA Khurram Sher Zaman,and several other leaders attended the protest.

In his address, PTI-Karachi president Raja Azhar warned the ruling parties to “stay cautious” while “opting for illegal moves against PTI workers”.

He also asked them to distance themselves from the policy of “political vendetta”.

“We reject these unconstitutional amendments. Our peaceful protests will continue until Imran Khan is released, and we will expand our efforts across Karachi,” he said, adding: “The recent departure of former chief justice Qazi Faez Isa has coincided with Nawaz Sharif’s own exit, raising questions about the extent of his influence.”

He said that the Sindh government was treating PTI workers unfairly, harassing them daily with police orders to arrest them from their homes.

“Today, even former MNA Alamgir Khan was unlawfully detained from the Karachi Press Club, which we condemn in the strongest terms.”

PTI leader Arsalan Khalid said that the party believed in politics of peace and during its government it respected the right of protest and freedom of expression.

“Today’s protest is for Imran Khan’s release and against unconstitutional amendments. It is just a beginning. We will continue until our leader, Imran Khan, is freed. With unwavering faith, we will persist until we achieve his release,” he added.

Published in Dawn, October 28th, 2024