Imran announces strike on August 14
PTI not to contest bye-polls as MPs have been disqualified illegally, says Aleema
Staff Report
RAWALPINDI: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf founder Imran Khan has called on the public to take to the streets on August 14 to demand “true freedom,” condemning what he described as an unlawful and oppressive system.
Speaking through family members after a meeting at Rawalpindi’s Adiala Jail, Imran Khan also declared that no new candidates would be nominated to replace the PTI leaders who were disqualified, as he considers those disqualifications illegal and unjust.
Aleema Khan, who met him along with their sister Uzma Khan, spoke to the media afterwards. She said it was a blessing that their meeting with Imran Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi, had taken place, and that the sisters had waited outside the prison together.
Aleema revealed that Imran Khan had inquired about his children’s possible return to Pakistan and expressed satisfaction over recent protests, praising the people for taking to the streets despite state oppression.
According to her, Imran Khan was pleased to learn that citizens in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab had shown strong participation in the demonstrations.
He made no complaints about the treatment he personally faced in jail, Aleema said, but he firmly reiterated his call for protests on August 14, asserting that rule of law no longer exists in the country. He urged PTI leaders not to fear arrests or imprisonment.
He advised that conflict resolution should be pursued through traditional jirgas (tribal councils), not force. Addressing Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, Khan warned that if the government cannot stop the operation, the CM must seriously reconsider his next steps.
This renewed call for national mobilization comes amid escalating political tensions and crackdowns on PTI members and supporters.
Meanwile, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf leader Senator Azam Swati was barred from travelling abroad at Bacha Khan Peshawar on Wednesday morning, despite having court permission to leave the country.
Swati was scheduled to fly to Dubai but was not allowed to board his flight. His legal team has filed a contempt of court petition in the Peshawar High Court against the authorities responsible.
