PTI calls for release of Imran, other leaders on foundation day
ISLAMABAD: The PTI has called for the immediate release of its jailed founder, Imran Khan, vice chairman Shah Mehmood Qureshi and other leaders.
The party passed a resolution on its 29th foundation day condemning the “illegal imprisonment” of all leaders, including Mr Khan and Mr Qureshi.
The party also claimed it had won the 2024 elections, but its mandate was “stolen through rigging”.
“We also demand [the] restoration of our legitimate mandate,” the PTI resolution said.
The party called for the restoration of free media and human rights. It called for repealing the 26th Amendment.
In a statement, Leader of the Opposition in National Assembly Omar Ayub said Mr Khan was “illegally imprisoned” while his family was barred from meeting him.
Speaking at an event to mark the 29th foundation day, former NA speaker Asad Qaiser expressed grave concerns over the state of the judiciary, saying people’s trust in the judicial system eroded in the past few years.
He said the judicial system was ‘paralysed’, calling it one of Pakistan’s most pressing challenges.
Mr Qaiser, who is also the founding member of the PTI, warned that without judicial independence, the country could not function effectively.
He urged the judiciary to make independent decisions, free from external influence or dictation.
“The entire nation stands with you,” he said, adding the people of Pakistan were looking towards the judiciary for decisive and impartial action.
The PTI leader also condemned Indian aggression in held Kashmir.
He dismissed any notion of division among Pakistanis as a “misconception”.
Published in Dawn, April 26th, 2025
