ISLAMABAD/LAHORE – In a strategic shift ahead of the planned ‘Free Imran Khan Movement’ set to launch on August 5, PTI’s North Punjab chapter has chosen to activate its grassroots network rather than relying on its usual political heavyweights. This decision marks a notable change in tactics as the party continues to face the aftershocks of a prolonged crackdown and leadership vacuum following the 2023 incarceration of its founder, Imran Khan.
Facing challenges in mobilising its base—especially in Punjab—the party has now formed committees at the district and tehsil levels to rekindle public support and awareness campaigns demanding Khan’s release. The campaign structure was finalised in a meeting led by North Punjab President Malik Taimoor Masood, who confirmed that the movement would formally begin on August 5.
According to internal arrangements, Malik Yasir Patwali, Fayaz Tabassum, and Yasir Jamal will spearhead activities in Attock. In Rawalpindi, Malik Azeem, Tayyaba Raja, and Muslim Shehzad will lead the metropolitan campaign, while Zubair Khan, Wajahat Qayyum Abbasi, Parveen Rehmani, and Hafiz Zahid will take charge in Rawalpindi City. Murree’s mobilisation will be handled by Sardar Mansoor and Hasnain Sunbal.
Other regional leaders assigned to the campaign include Farrukh Mehmood Sial, Rizwan Dani, and Muhammad Afzal in Jhelum; Aftab Ahmad Sahi, Malik Hammad, and Ehtisham Kiani in Chakwal; Ghulam Dastagir and Sajida Begum in Mianwali; and Arslan Manch and Zohaib Umar in Khushab. Teams have also been formed for Sargodha and Bhakkar districts.
The campaign strategy involves door-to-door canvassing, corner meetings, and public outreach at local levels under the leadership of MNAs, MPAs, ticket-holders, and organisational heads. Progress will be tracked and submitted regularly to North Punjab’s leadership, who will forward detailed updates to the central command.
PTI Central Information Secretary Sheikh Waqas Akram said the objective is to build momentum leading up to the anniversary of Khan’s arrest. While there are currently no plans to march to Islamabad, rallies and public events are planned across cities and provinces. Each district committee is tasked with reporting directly to PTI Punjab President Aliya Hamza, who will keep the central leadership informed.
Meanwhile, controversy continues to brew around reports that Imran Khan’s sons—Kasim and Suleman—may travel to Pakistan to support their father. Punjab Information Minister Azma Bukhari, during a press conference in Lahore, issued a stark warning, claiming the former PM’s sons would not be permitted to “create unrest” in the country.
She questioned their sudden interest in Pakistan, saying, “Where were they when Khan was injured? Now suddenly, they are missing Pakistan?” She further alleged that their mother, Jemima Goldsmith, has restricted their travel to Pakistan and warned that the government would not allow anyone to use children to instigate chaos.
In response, Jemima Goldsmith accused Pakistani authorities of obstructing communication between her children and their father. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), she said, “My children are not allowed to speak on the phone to their father Imran Khan. He has been in solitary confinement in prison for nearly two years.” She added that the Pakistani government had warned that her sons would be arrested if they visited.
“This doesn’t happen in a democracy or a functioning state. This isn’t politics. It’s a personal vendetta,” she wrote.
Adding to the uncertainty, PM’s adviser Rana Sanaullah previously cautioned that Khan’s sons would be arrested if they participated in any violent PTI protests. However, PML-N Senator Irfan Siddiqui took a more lenient stance, stating that while no official position had been declared, the duo should be allowed to enter the country—though the law would apply if they became involved in political agitation.
With rising political temperatures, PTI’s grassroots drive and the looming return of Imran Khan’s sons are likely to escalate tensions in the coming days.
