KARACHI: The opposition Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) on Wednesday staged a protest rally outside the City Courts, demanding immediate release of party founder Imran Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi.

Led by PTI-Sindh President Haleem Adil Sheikh, the protest was attended by a number of party workers, including women.

PTI leaders Dr Masroor Siyal, city president Raja Azhar, Khurram Sher Zaman, Serina Khan, Shabbir Qureshi, Barrister Ahsan Adil Sheikh and several other leaders attended the protests.

Carrying banners and placards, the protesters chanted slogans in support of the detained leaders, demanding immediate release of all jailed workers.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr Sheikh said the supremacy of the Constitution and the rule of law have been diminished in the country. “The Form-47 governments, imposed through rigged elections, have pushed the country to the brink,” he said.

He said that Mr Khan and his wife had been jailed in false cases. “Judges go on leave when it is time to deliver justice. Today again, the judge scheduled to hear the Al-Qadir Trust case went on leave. It’s a conspiracy to deny justice to Imran Khan.”

He said following the 26th Amendment, the judiciary had been weakened, and the future of young lawyers was at risk.

“Imran Khan is fighting for the real freedom of the country’s youth and children. He could have walked free through a deal, but he chose imprisonment for the sake of the nation. The country cannot move forward without his release. This movement will continue and the doors of the judiciary will continue to be knocked,” he added.

PTI-Sindh General Secretary Dr Siyal said the protest was also for the independence of the judiciary, conveying a “message” to the judges that the entire nation stood with them.

“A country without justice is doomed. Imran Khan has been imprisoned for the past two years, along with the hopes and futures of our children. If he is freed, the country will also be free. This movement has now entered its final phase,” he added.

Published in Dawn, June 12th, 2025