On Tuesday, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) established a hunger strike camp outside the Parliament House in Islamabad, demanding the release of the party founder, Imran Khan, along with other detained leaders.
PTI Hunger Strike
The hunger strike, led by PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan, is set to be observed daily until 8 PM. This protest serves as a token demonstration against what the party describes as “injustice” and aims to emphasize the importance of parliamentary supremacy. Barrister Gohar Ali Khan expressed the party’s deep concerns over the “illegal and unconstitutional actions” taken against their leaders. He mentioned that he has communicated these reservations to National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq.
PTI’s Stance and Condemnation
Addressing the media, Gohar Ali Khan highlighted the plight of PTI lawmakers and their families, who he claims are being unlawfully detained. “The PTI founder and his wife have been imprisoned without justification. This camp will continue until their release,” he asserted. He also strongly condemned the sealing of the PTI secretariat in the federal capital, labeling it as an act of oppression.
Senior Leaders’ Statements
Former National Assembly Speaker and senior PTI leader Asad Qaiser emphasized the party’s primary demand: the immediate release of Imran Khan, his wife Bushra Bibi, and other detainees, including Hasan and various party workers. He criticized the federal government for the recent surge in lawlessness and inflation, holding them accountable for the country’s deteriorating conditions. Qaiser called on the PML-N government to resign due to what he described as “bad governance and economic mismanagement.”
PTI Secretary-General Omar Ayub Khan added that the hunger strike is also a plea for the release of PTI Vice Chairman Shah Mahmood Qureshi and other arrested leaders and workers. He underscored the party’s commitment to continuing the protest until their demands are met.
Nationwide Implications
This hunger strike marks a significant escalation in PTI’s efforts to secure the release of their leaders. The protest underscores the party’s resolve and highlights the ongoing political turmoil in Pakistan. As the situation develops, all eyes remain on Islamabad, awaiting the government’s response to PTI’s persistent demands.