Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Asad Qaiser announced on Thursday plans to launch protests and rallies across the country after uniting political parties at the national and provincial levels, aiming to secure the release of former premier and party founder Imran Khan and oppose the incumbent regime.
Earlier in the day, six PTI leaders were denied permission to meet with Imran, as prison authorities reportedly demanded a written undertaking that no political discussions would take place during the meeting. They further claimed that the party founder was being denied basic human rights and facilities.
On Oct 4, the Punjab government had placed a ban on prisoner visits, citing security concerns ahead of the SCO summit in the federal capital, which hosted top government officials from several regional states on Oct 15 and 16. Following resistance from PTI’s legal team, the government removed restrictions on Oct 26.
“Speaking to the media outside Adiala Jail alongside other party leaders, Qaiser criticized the current government, calling it “fascist”, and saying, “they falsely present themselves as proponents of democracy”.
“What else would elected representatives discuss with their leader if not political matters?” Qaiser asked.
He accused Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz of running the province with authoritarian tactics, adding that PTI leaders were being deprived of their democratic rights.
“It is a misconception to think we will bow under pressure due to such tactics,” Qasier said, and vowed to continue their constitutional and legal battle persistently, asserting that “such governments do not last long.”
Speaking on the occasion, Opposition Leader in the Senate and PTI leader Shibli Faraz criticized Adiala Jail authorities for denying party leaders a meeting with Imran despite a court order granting permission after six weeks.
“Everyone has seen the treatment the PTI founder has endured over the past three weeks. The intent was to break his spirit, but with faith and resolve, he remains unbroken,” he said.
Faraz stated the administration had demanded a written undertaking that they would not discuss politics. “Are we here to discuss the weather?” he questioned.
“Commenting on the situation, Opposition Leader in the National Assembly Omar Ayub stated that the “establishment and Form 47 government” should also provide an undertaking to refrain from interfering in political matters.
PTI leader Zartaj Gul accused the government of “shameless conduct”, warning that it would be held accountable for its actions. She appealed to human rights organizations to visit the jail and assess the situation.
Zartaj noted that they had come to meet Imran after the restrictions on visits were lifted. “The leadership of a political party was told to give in writing that they would not hold political dialogue with their leader.”
Separately, during a news conference in Lahore, PTI Secretary General Salman Akram Raja announced nationwide protests against the recently passed 26th Constitutional Amendment, which focuses on judicial reforms and was strongly opposed by the former ruling party during its passage in parliament earlier this month. (With additional input from our Lahore correspondent)
