PTI & TTAP to hold rallies for Khan’s release

LAHORE: The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), along with the Tehreek-e-Tahafuz-e-Ayeen-e-Pakistan (TTAP) and allied groups, has announced a series of rallies aimed at protecting the Constitution and demanding the release of the party’s founder and former Prime Minister, Imran Khan. This announcement was made during a joint press conference held in Lahore, where leaders from the TTAP and allied groups appeared alongside senior PTI members. Among those present were TTAP chief Mahmood Khan Achakzai, PTI Secretary General Salman Akram Raja, senior leader Asad Qaiser, lawyer Sardar Latif Khosa, and Haqooq-e-Khalq Party leader Ammar Jan. During the press conference, Achakzai delivered a strong critique of the current political system, alleging a decline in institutions and raising concerns about electoral processes. He questioned the removal of PTI’s election symbol, calling it unprecedented, and referenced past incidents involving security forces and civilians, warning that history shows negative outcomes when force is used against the public. He noted that their previous silence was deliberate due to an ongoing conflict in the region, emphasising that they needed to give the situation time and space for the sake of Pakistan. “In such circumstances, rumours spread about rifts between us, but there were none. Imran Khan’s party is our party, and his sisters are our sisters, ” he added. He stated that they believe in the establishment of an elected parliament in Pakistan, asserting that the source of power should be the parliament, which must make decisions. “We have no enmity with anyone; we are not troublemakers, ” he emphasised. Also read: PTI assails incarceration of IK, others Achakzai remarked that while Nawaz Sharif, Shehbaz Sharif, Asif Zardari, and Imran Khan may be prominent figures, nothing is more important than Pakistan. “We want the parliament to be the source of power, and all decisions must adhere to the Constitution and the law. We tell the institutions that politics is not their job, ” he asserted. The TTAP leader stressed that efforts are being made to marginalise Imran Khan from the political landscape and vowed that the TTAP would oppose any such attempts. “Who are you to try to exclude him? Khan is the most popular leader in Pakistan, and he is innocent, ” he stated. He cautioned those in power not to obstruct their efforts. “We will hold rallies and organise processions peacefully. However, if our path is blocked, remember that in the struggle between the army and the people, ultimately, the people will prevail, ” he warned. PTI General Secretary Salman Akram Raja expressed that anyone who thinks Imran Khan will be sidelined or removed from politics is mistaken. “Imran Khan is the central figure in Pakistan’s politics, and we support him wholeheartedly. Our loyalty to him will endure until our last breath. The Pakistani nation stands united with Imran Khan. History proves that no power can halt the will of the people. Today, securing the release of Imran Khan and ensuring his health are our top priorities, ” he stated. “I want to reach out to labourers, farmers, and all segments of society to emphasise that their freedom is linked to the release of Imran Khan. I urge you to join us in this struggle. History shows that no force can suppress the people’s movement; no matter how intense the oppression may be, victory ultimately belongs to truth and justice, ” Raja added. He mentioned that Imran Khan has directed him to seek advice and guidance from Mahmood Khan Achakzai and Allama Raja Nasir Abbas, stating that they will move forward based on the insights these leaders provide. Former Speaker of the National Assembly Asad Qaiser stated during the press conference that farmers in Punjab are being exploited. He expressed support for them, affirming that they stand with the farmers and plan to engage with their organisations. He announced upcoming movements in collaboration with the farming community. Qaiser noted, “PTI belongs to Imran Khan; anyone who thinks they can replace the founder is mistaken. Our struggle will be peaceful, as it is our constitutional right. ” Other speakers called upon the judiciary and the legal community to uphold the rule of law. Khosa criticised recent constitutional amendments and raised concerns regarding their implications for judicial independence and the ongoing legal proceedings involving Khan. Copyright Business Recorder, 2026

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