Islamabad — Incarcerated PTI founder and former prime minister Imran Khan has voiced serious concern over what he described as a lack of “meaningful momentum” ahead of the party’s planned protest on August 5. From Adiala Jail, where he is serving a sentence in the £190 million corruption case, Khan issued a clear directive to his party leadership and workers to set aside all internal divisions and unite behind the movement.
Imran, who has been imprisoned since August 2023, also faces ongoing trials under the Anti-Terrorism Act related to the May 9, 2023 protests. He has called for a nationwide protest that will culminate on August 5, marking two years since the beginning of his legal ordeals.
However, confusion emerged within party ranks after Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur proposed a separate 90-day timeline for what he termed a “final push.” This caused a stir among party leadership, with PTI Punjab’s chief organiser, Aliya Hamza Malik, publicly expressing reservations about the KP chief minister’s approach.
In response, Imran Khan banned any further public discussion of internal party matters. A message shared via his official X (formerly Twitter) account — operated by his team — reiterated his frustration:
“Let me make this absolutely clear: every member of the party must immediately set aside all internal differences and focus solely on the movement planned for August 5th. I do not see any meaningful momentum building behind this initiative at present.”
He described the current political struggle as a battle against a 78-year-old system, highlighting the public’s continued support despite “unprecedented oppression.” Imran warned that any member found involved in internal factionalism would be expelled from the party.
“To create rifts within the party at this time would be a direct betrayal of my mission and vision,” the message read.
Criticism of Judiciary and Prison Conditions
Imran Khan also condemned the government’s alleged interference in the judiciary through the 26th Constitutional Amendment, claiming it has crippled judicial independence. He called for a strong movement to restore judicial autonomy, stating,
“No nation can survive, let alone progress, without judicial independence.”
He also alleged inhumane conditions in Adiala Jail, including contaminated water for ablution, and claimed that his wife and former First Lady Bushra Bibi was also being mistreated.
“I am enduring the harshest prison term in the country’s history solely for the supremacy of the Constitution and in service of my nation,” he added.
Protest to Be Held Under TTAP Banner
The PTI’s central deputy information secretary confirmed that the protest would take place under the banner of the opposition alliance Tehreek Tahafuz Ayeen-i-Pakistan (TTAP). All provincial chapters have been instructed to plan regionally appropriate protest strategies.
TTAP leader Mustafa Nawaz Khokhar, during a joint press conference, announced that an All-Party Conference (APC) would be held in Islamabad on July 31, where final decisions regarding the protest strategy would be made.
Imran’s Sons Continue Advocacy in the US
Meanwhile, Imran Khan’s sons are continuing their lobbying efforts in the United States ahead of their planned visit to Pakistan. They recently met with Republican Congressman Joe Wilson, who previously introduced a bipartisan bill calling for sanctions on Pakistani officials over alleged human rights violations, including the treatment of Khan.
They also met with Congressman Brad Sherman, who later posted on X:
“I am concerned to hear that Khan remains isolated from his family, friends, attorneys and doctors. His sons also shared that his physical health may be deteriorating. The people of Pakistan deserve to have their leaders be treated fairly under the law.”
