PESHAWAR: The leaders of Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf at a rally held here on Thursday said that agitation was the only option left with them for release of incarcerated former prime minister Imran Khan.

They said that judiciary failed to issue release orders of former prime minister and founder of PTI Imran Khan. They said that PTI would not reach any deal for release of the founder of the party.

The rally, which began from Almas Khalil area on Ring road, ended at the toll plaza of Peshawar-Islamabad Motorway. The rally was held following announcement by Imran Khan, who, through a message shared via his X (former Twitter) account last month, called on people to prepare for a countrywide protest movement.

PTI activists from several areas of the province participated in the rally. PTI provincial president Junaid Akbar, president of Peshawar region Sher Ali Arbab, Malakdn region Sibghatullah, MNA Amir Ayub, former finance minister Taimur Saleem and others led workers from their respective constituencies.

Speakers at rally allege their leader has been kept illegally in prison

Addressing the rally, PTI leaders said that Mr Khan’s release from prison was mandatory for restoration of democracy and upholding rule of law in the country.

During his address on the occasion, Mr Akbar said that the PTI founder was kept illegally in prison and was being politically victimised.

Mr Khan’s coordinator Ahmad Khan Niazi said that PTI workers would agitate on roads till release of the former premier. “We will be on the streets till Khan is released and the rule of law is upheld,” he added.

PTI workers chanted slogans in favour of incarcerated former prime minister and demanded his release.

During his address, former senator Faisal Javed said that every Pakistani must take to the street and protest for release of the founder of PTI. “We have exhausted all options but get no justice. We are exercising our right of peaceful protest,” he said.

He said that Mr Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi were in prison in scorching heat inside a death cell. “Resistance will release Mr Khan. He will only be released once we take to streets,” he added.

MNA Sher Ali said that the only option left for Mr Khan’s release was agitation. He said that judiciary did not release Mr Khan neither would there be any deal for his release.

He said that rallies would be held in other districts of the province as well and everyone would take to streets once a call was given for protests. He said that a movement would soon be launched for release of Imran Khan.

Published in Dawn, June 13th, 2025