Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan expressed optimism on Saturday that former prime minister and PTI founder Imran Khan would be freed from prison in the “near future.”
Addressing a public gathering in Swabi, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the PTI chairman described the rally as a “referendum” against what he called the “mandate-stealing government.” He emphasized that the party would continue street protests to secure the release of the detained former prime minister.
Offering condolences for the recent Balochistan explosion, where at least 27 people were killed and 40 injured, Gohar questioned, “How can politics progress and peace be restored while keeping the PTI founder imprisoned?”
The gathering also featured an address from PTI leader and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, who vowed to fight for Imran Khan’s release, declaring the party’s readiness to “sacrifice their lives” if necessary. “There is no freedom without sacrifice,” he declared, pledging unyielding support for “true freedom” and demanding Khan’s release.
Highlighting PTI’s potential march on Islamabad, Gandapur added, “We will not return until the PTI founder is free.” He also reaffirmed the party’s unity and resolve to move forward together, mentioning Imran Khan as the sole decision-maker in the party.
Last week, the chief minister announced a “final call” to oust the current government, criticizing their treatment of PTI workers. Gandapur hinted at a larger protest plan, announcing that “shroud-clad PTI leaders and workers” would march to topple the current rulers if necessary.
Imran Khan was arrested from his Lahore residence in August last year following a conviction in the Toshakhana case and remains imprisoned in Rawalpindi’s Adiala Jail with high-security arrangements due to his status as a former prime minister. Khan is facing multiple cases, including the £190 million reference and a new Toshakhana case.
