Imran Khan directs PTI to launch nationwide anti-govt movement after Ashura

Imran Khan, the founding chairman of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), has instructed party leadership to begin a protest movement against the government after the 10th of Muharram.

Speaking to the media outside Rawalpindi’s Adiala Jail alongside her sisters, Aliya Khan stated that they were granted only 15 minutes to meet Imran Khan, while lawyer Zaheer Abbas was allowed a meeting lasting merely 1.5 minutes.

Other lawyers, including Salman Safdar, Salman Akram Raja, and Niazullah Niazi, were denied access altogether.

Aliya Khan criticized these restrictions as part of an ongoing attempt to "minus" Imran Khan from the political landscape. She highlighted his concerns over the 26th constitutional amendment, stating that its consequences are now evident.

According to her, Imran Khan said if the authorities can steal votes and claim they hold no value, it essentially equates to imposing martial law.

Turning the judiciary into a government department and subjecting judges to pressure eliminates the rule of law and erodes ethical foundations.

Read more: Aleema Khan says 'Minus Imran Khan' formula already implemented

Imran Khan also reportedly stated that the current assemblies are illegitimate, as those seated were not elected through a fair vote. He further condemned the suppression of media and voiced concern over the proposed 27th constitutional amendment, claiming that it would be better to declare a monarchy, as the public’s voice has already been silenced.

Recalling Pakistan’s foundation on Islamic principles after independence from India, he lamented that the nation is being turned into a state of total subjugation — a reality he said was worse than remaining imprisoned for life.

According to Aliya Khan, Imran Khan praised the resistance shown in the Punjab Assembly and commended the role of the opposition leader. He noted that 26 PTI lawmakers are currently under restrictions and suggested they should consider setting up a parallel assembly outside the official legislature.

He has conveyed these instructions to the party via senior lawyer Salman Akram Raja.

Aliya Khan added that Imran Khan remains isolated in jail, where his basic rights are being violated. He is denied books and kept locked up for 22 hours a day with only two hours of access outside his cell. She affirmed that PTI will announce its protest strategy after the 10th of Muharram.