Imran Khan’s PTI party plans to hold a rally in Islamabad either in the last week of August or the first week of September, according to a senior party official. The rally, initially scheduled last month, was postponed after the district administration withdrew permission. The event aims to advocate for Khan’s release from jail, where he has been since last August due to new charges, despite previous convictions being suspended or overturned. Khan claims these cases are politically motivated.
Ali Amin Gandapur, a senior PTI member, announced during a rally in Swabi that if the party does not receive the necessary permission or no-objection certificate (NOC), they will hold the rally at D-Chowk in Islamabad. This location is strategically placed near major government buildings, including the Presidency and Prime Minister’s Office.
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Since Khan’s arrest, PTI has faced difficulties organizing rallies, citing a state-backed crackdown and mass arrests of its supporters. The situation worsened after the May 9, 2023, attacks on government and military installations by alleged PTI supporters. Following these incidents, many PTI members were arrested, with some still awaiting trial, and military court-martial proceedings initiated against accused individuals. Khan has offered to negotiate with the military under conditions of fair elections and the dismissal of charges against his supporters, but the military has rejected talks.
