PTI Announces Nationwide Rallies on August 5 to Mark Imran Khan’s Arrest Anniversary

Party says demonstrations will be held across the country as it calls for the release of Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi

Staff Report

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has announced plans to hold nationwide rallies on August 5 to mark the anniversary of PTI founder and former prime minister Imran Khan’s arrest in 2023.

PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan made the announcement on Wednesday following a meeting of the party’s parliamentary group. He said the lawmakers decided to organise demonstrations across the country on August 5, the day Khan was arrested after being sentenced to three years in prison in the state gifts case.

Addressing a press conference, Gohar said the meeting was initially called to discuss a single agenda, but wider national issues also came under discussion. He said that the parliamentary party expressed concern over the continued imprisonment of Imran Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi.

Khan has remained in jail since August 2023 while facing multiple legal cases. PTI maintains that the cases against him are politically motivated, while Khan has denied any wrongdoing. Some convictions have been suspended or overturned, while other legal proceedings remain ongoing.

Call for greater mobilisation

The announcement came after Khan’s sister, Aleema Khan, urged PTI workers to increase their efforts for his release. Speaking to party supporters in Lower Dir, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, on July 12, she called on workers to remain organised and follow the directions of the party leadership.

She also urged PTI lawmakers and supporters to actively participate in the party’s ongoing political activities and campaign.

Health concerns and medical treatment

PTI and Khan’s family have previously raised concerns about his health and conditions during his imprisonment. Last month, the former prime minister was taken to the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) for a scheduled follow-up related to an eye condition, where doctors administered his fifth intravitreal injection.

According to the PIMS administration, the procedure was part of his continuing treatment for an eye disorder requiring a series of injections. A medical report submitted to the Supreme Court by his lawyer and court-appointed amicus curiae Salman Safdar stated that Khan had been diagnosed with central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO).

CRVO is an eye condition caused by a blockage in the main vein that drains blood from the retina and is often associated with risk factors such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes and cardiovascular disease.