Imran Khan to Lead PTI Protest from Jail on August 5, Says Sister Aleema Khan

ISLAMABAD – Former Prime Minister and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan has directed his party to intensify its anti-government movement, aiming for a major nationwide protest on August 5 — the date marking two years since his incarceration.

Speaking to journalists at Gorakhpur check post after meeting Khan at Adiala Jail alongside Noreen Niazi and Uzma Khan, Imran’s sister Aleema Khan confirmed that the protest plan will unfold now that the 10th of Muharram has passed, as per Khan’s earlier instructions.

Aleema stated that Khan wants the protest to “hit peak” on August 5 and would lead it symbolically from behind bars. “He says he is freer in prison than those outside,” she quoted Khan, expressing his frustration with some of the party’s leadership.

While not disclosing the exact protest route, Aleema hinted it could begin in Peshawar and proceed to Lahore. She assured that Khan’s family would actively participate in the demonstrations. “Those who cannot bear the burden of this political movement should step aside,” she quoted Khan as saying.

Commenting on the recent suspension of 26 PTI lawmakers in the Punjab Assembly, Aleema alleged that the decision was made to “appease Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz.”

Meanwhile, Noreen Niazi told reporters that although Khan was in good health, he had been denied access to television, newspapers, and reading materials for the past week. Aleema also revealed that both Imran Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi, were being held in solitary confinement, and that Khan had not been allowed to see his personal physician for the last 10 months.

Aleema accused the Punjab government, particularly CM Maryam Nawaz, of imposing these restrictive measures.

CM Gandapur to Lead Protest

PTI spokesperson Sheikh Waqas Akram said last week that the party had initially postponed protests due to the Iran-Israel conflict and later out of respect for Muharram. He confirmed that the protest will begin in phases, starting with demonstrations in provinces and districts.

Akram also stated that Imran Khan had personally directed Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur to lead the protest. Responding to questions regarding Gandapur’s recent remarks about carrying weapons, Akram clarified that the CM was referring to the right to self-defence.

“When the first bullet was fired, the PTI founder already won,” Akram added, emphasizing that the party seeks to avoid violence and safeguard its workers.

Read more: PTI Opposes Federal Committee on Merged Tribal Districts, Calls It Unconstitutional

As August 5 approaches, PTI is expected to announce detailed plans for what could be a significant test of its street power under the leadership of its imprisoned founder.