The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party leaders held a symbolic hunger strike outside the Parliament House, demanding the release of their party founder, Imran Khan, from prison. This protest came a day after a raid on PTI’s central office, where PTI information secretary Raoof Hasan was arrested by the police and Federal Investigation Agency (FIA).
During the protest, PTI leaders also called for an end to what they described as actions against PTI members and urged authorities to initiate contempt of court proceedings against Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif for her critical remarks about the judiciary.
PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Khan stated that the hunger strike would continue until they secure basic rights and Imran Khan’s release from jail.
The PTI leaders have decided to continue their protest camp in the coming days, with different leaders taking turns to participate. PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Khan mentioned that they met with National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq to discuss the security concerns of their lawmakers.
Opposition Leader in the National Assembly, Omar Ayub Khan, shared that initially Imran Khan had considered a hunger strike but the party leaders, including himself, persuaded him to postpone it. He added that they would launch a nationwide hunger strike upon Imran Khan’s instruction.
Omar Ayub Khan also criticized the recent arrests of PTI members, including Raoof Hasan, and demanded fresh elections. Another PTI leader, Asad Qaiser, echoed these demands, stating that the government wouldn’t be able to suppress their party, emphasizing the need for new elections.
Regarding Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif’s comments on the judiciary, former National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq condemned her remarks and called for contempt of court proceedings against her. He questioned the legality behind sealing PTI offices and arresting its staff, referencing a recent Supreme Court judgment affirming PTI’s status as a political party.
In response to a recent press conference by the DG ISPR, PTI leaders continued their criticism, accusing the military spokesperson of supporting the government unfairly. They announced plans for a nationwide protest on Friday against what they described as fascism.
Meanwhile, the FIA presented Raoof Hasan in court seeking custody to recover social media accounts and electronic devices. The court approved a two-day physical remand despite objections from Hasan’s lawyer, Latif Khosa, who argued that the PTI office closure and arrests were unjust.
Furthermore, following a raid on PTI’s central media secretariat, the Islamabad Metropolitan Corporation sealed the office citing safety concerns. Several male workers were taken into physical custody, while 14 female leaders, mostly candidates for reserved seats, were sent to jail on judicial remand.
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