Incarcerated former Prime Minister Imran Khan has vowed to announce a date for a major protest “in a few days,” calling on his supporters to take to the streets in defense of democracy and its restoration.
Speaking to reporters from Adiala Jail on Monday, Khan reiterated his commitment to Pakistan’s “Haqeeqi Azadi” (real freedom), saying, “I am ready to make any sacrifice for the freedom of Pakistan.” He emphasized that his efforts would continue until the judiciary is restored and party leaders and workers are freed. “I will personally provide the date for a march within the next few days,” he added.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur had previously announced at a rally on November 9 that Khan would give a “protest call” sometime this month. Addressing supporters in Swabi at the ‘Awami Jirga’ gathering, Gandapur told the crowd, “The PTI supporters will wait for Khan’s final call.” He urged the party’s supporters to remain resolute, even if it requires making significant personal sacrifices. “We will not return home without Khan’s release,” he declared.
Khan, in his own remarks, shared that the strategy for the upcoming protests was laid out during the PTI’s Saturday rally in Swabi. “This time, our supporters will not leave until their demands for the restoration of the Constitution, democracy, and an independent judiciary, as well as the release of party members, are met,” he said.
Khan also urged party officials, assembly members, local leaders, and supporters to prepare for the protest and begin organizing on the ground.
At the Swabi rally, PTI leader Gohar Ali Khan emphasized that Khan’s release would not be influenced by any foreign country. “We are hopeful that Khan’s release will come through constitutional and legal means, not through external interference,” he said, reaffirming that PTI did not seek help from foreign nations, including the United States.
