KARACHI: The Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) on Tuesday announced that it will observe August 5 as “Black Day” across the country to mark three years since the imprisonment of former prime minister of Pakistan and party founder Imran Khan.

It also urged the public to participate in the “peaceful campaign” for the release of Mr Khan and the “restoration of Constitutional rule.”

The announcement was made by PTI secretary general Barrister Salman Akram Raja while speaking to the media during a visit to Karachi, where he also met the party’s provincial leadership and office-bearers to discuss the country’s political situation, organisational matters in Sindh and PTI’s future strategy.

“We will observe August 5 as a nationwide Black Day and appeal to the people to raise their voice for Imran Khan’s release, the restoration of the Constitution, democracy, public mandate and relief from inflation,” he said.

Salman Raja says party to observe August 5 as ‘Black Day’

He alleged that Imran Khan had been “unjustly imprisoned” for the past three years and said that the PTI would continue its “peaceful and constitutional struggle” across the country until his release. Earlier, Mr Raja visited the residence of PTI Sindh President Haleem Adil Sheikh to offer condolences on the death of his brother. He prayed for the departed soul and expressed sympathy with the bereaved family.

The condolence meeting was attended by PTI Karachi President Raja Azhar, General Secretary Arsalan Khalid, leaders from the party’s Sindh and Karachi chapters, members of the Sindh Assembly, representatives of the Insaf Lawyers Forum, Women Wing and Youth Wing, as well as other office-bearers and workers.

Addressing the media, the PTI secretary general criticised the country’s economic situation, claiming unemployment was increasing and forcing young Pakistanis to seek opportunities abroad while inflation had placed an increasing burden on ordinary citizens. He also claimed that petroleum prices in Pakistan were among the highest in the region and said current economic policies had widened the gap between the rich and the poor.

Criticising the Sindh government of Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), Mr Raja alleged that the province’s resources had been “destroyed” during its 18 years in power. He said farmers and agricultural workers were facing severe hardships due to water shortages while roads and public infrastructure across Sindh had deteriorated significantly.

“Articles 15, 17 and 19 of the Constitution guarantee citizens the rights to freedom of movement, association and expression and these constitutional protections must be upheld,” he said while calling on the people of Sindh to support the PTI’s campaign.

He said the PTI’s political struggle “is not centred on any individual but aimed at ensuring Pakistan’s survival, constitutional supremacy, the rule of law and the welfare of the underprivileged.”

Referring to Imran Khan, the PTI leader described the former prime minister as “a symbol of Pakistan’s struggle for true freedom” and urged those who believed in constitutional supremacy, the rule of law and democracy to join the party’s movement.

He also praised PTI Sindh’s organisational structure, saying the provincial leadership and workers remained active and committed to safeguarding public rights. The party’s Sindh chapter would continue resisting the “fascist system” while pursuing democratic, constitutional and economic rights for the people, he added.

Published in Dawn, July 22nd, 2026