MUZAFFARABAD: Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) leaders lashed out at what they described as “political discrimination” in the country and vowed to continue a protest movement for the release of their incarcerated founder Imran Khan.

The power show was held in Upper Adda, also known as Lal Chowk, where charged supporters from different parts of the territory gathered in large numbers, waving party, Kashmiri and Pakistani flags and chanting slogans in favour of Mr Khan.

The rally was addressed by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Khan Afridi who waved the AJK flag from the stage to loud cheers.

With elections approaching, Chief Minister Afridi urged supporters not only to vote for Mr Khan but also to “protect that vote”.

_He recalled his announcement on the 19th that the next phase of PTI’s street movement would begin in Kashmir.

He criticised the ruling setup in both Pakistan and AJK, alleging “undemocratic and unethical conduct,” and accused authorities of obstructing political activity, including blocking roads on the day of the rally.

Mr Afridi asserted that Imran Khan had presented the case of Kashmir, Pakistan and Palestine at international forums and was now “unjustly imprisoned” along with his wife Bushra Bibi.

He said he had been pursuing all constitutional, legal and democratic avenues, but without result. “As many as three judges have granted me permission to meet my leader, but the superintendent of Adiala Jail tears up those orders and throws them into the dustbin,” he alleged.

Warning against curbs on political rights, he said: “If our rights are usurped, we will come out and protest – the Constitution allows us to do so.”

He announced that a “major protest call” would soon be given, expressing confidence that people across the country would respond and help secure Mr Khan’s release.

Earlier, former AJK premier and PTI’s regional president Sardar Abdul Qayyum Niazi said Kashmiris had always stood with Imran Khan and would respond to every protest call.

The rally was also addressed by PTI Secretary General Salman Akram Raja and other local party leaders.

Published in Dawn, April 26th, 2026