Imprisoned former prime minister and PTI leader Imran Khan has directed his party to ramp up anti‑government demonstrations culminating on August 5, the second anniversary of his arrest. According to his sister Aleema Khan, Imran has instructed that protests begin after Muharram 10, with a nationwide campaign—potentially beginning in Peshawar and marching toward Lahore—planned under the leadership of PTI’s Punjab chief minister Ali Amin Gandapur.

Khan, addressing party leaders from Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi, criticized his colleagues, stating he felt more “free in prison than they are outside.” He emphasized that anyone unable to bear the pressure of this political “movement” should stand aside. Aleema also revealed that Imran Khan and his wife Bushra have been held in solitary confinement and denied reading materials and access to personal medical care for extended periods.

PTI spokesperson Sheikh Waqas Akram confirmed that the protest timeline had been postponed due to respect for the Muharram period and tensions from the Iran‑Israel conflict. He clarified that the movement’s first phase will involve district‑level rallies before escalating to full‑scale national action on August 5. Akram emphasized the importance of non‑violent resistance: “When the first bullet was fired, the PTI founder won.”

Punjab Assembly suspended 26 PTI lawmakers ahead of the protests, a move blamed on Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz. Sheikh Waqas defended Ali Amin Gandapur’s remark about carrying weapons as a right to self‑defence, reiterating PTI’s goal is peaceful protest under Gandapur’s leadership.

With twin objectives to protest “inflation and injustice” and demand Imran Khan’s release, PTI’s August 5 protests coincide with Youm‑e‑Istehsal, a day traditionally reserved for signalling opposition to Kashmir’s annexation—adding emotional resonance to the planned movement.

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