Rawalpindi, June 3, 2025: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan has reiterated his resolve to lead a nationwide protest movement, expressing frustration over the political and judicial deadlock facing the party. The statements came during meetings held at Adiala Jail, where Khan is currently incarcerated, as confirmed by PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan and Khan’s sister Aleema Khan.
Speaking to the media after meeting Khan during the Toshakhana 2 hearings, Barrister Gohar revealed that the former Prime Minister conveyed his belief that “all doors have been closed” on PTI. Imran Khan reportedly stated that protests must now be launched across the entire country, rather than being limited to Islamabad, and insisted he would personally lead the movement—even from within jail.
While Khan has yet to announce a specific date or timeline, Gohar clarified that protest directives will be channeled through PTI Secretary General Omar Ayub. Unlike previous instances, where protest responsibilities were assigned to Ali Amin Gandapur, this time the party will distribute responsibilities among various senior leaders, reflecting Khan’s trust in the collective leadership.
Gohar also addressed internal speculation about party leadership changes, dismissing rumors of his removal as chairman. “I am the chairman, and everyone knows what would happen if I wasn’t,” he said, adding that Imran Khan has now assumed the role of Patron-in-Chief, retaining control over all strategic decisions within the party.
Addressing concerns over electoral transparency, Gohar criticized alleged rigging in the recent PP-52 (Sambrial, Sialkot) by-election and lamented the judiciary’s failure to hear PTI’s cases or rule on reserved seats. “Common sense should prevail,” he urged, reiterating that both he and Imran Khan still believe in dialogue but currently see no open channels for resolution.
In a separate but related development, Khan’s sister Aleema Khan shared further insights from their recent family visit. She claimed that the PTI founder had been urged—via Tanveer Ahmed, a known Shaukat Khanum donor with establishment links—to issue an apology over the May 9 riots. However, Imran Khan reportedly demanded video evidence of PTI’s alleged involvement before considering any such move.
“He said they just want him to apologize, but he insists on transparency,” Aleema told reporters, adding that Khan believes the May 9 incident and subsequent crackdown—including the imprisonment of over 10,000 PTI workers—were part of a broader plan linked to the so-called London Plan and the 26th Constitutional Amendment.
Uzma Khan, also present during the visit, revealed that while Tanveer Ahmed met Imran Khan once and attempted a second visit, Khan had barred any further interaction. “Whenever pressure builds, they send people to negotiate—but only with demands, never with answers,” she quoted Khan as saying.
Aleema further disclosed that while she was barred from meeting her brother during the latest visit, two of her sisters were allowed. Khan, she said, believes that the turning point of Pakistan’s political landscape came on February 8, when the public overwhelmingly supported PTI. “But by February 9, power was handed to those who won only 17 seats,” she quoted him.
Khan also reiterated concerns over the Chief Election Commissioner’s tenure, claiming he was serving in violation of the Constitution, and asserted that the 26th Amendment was pushed through in the wake of Justice Qazi Faez Isa’s departure.
As PTI navigates a critical juncture—grappling with internal challenges, legal setbacks, and alleged political suppression—Imran Khan’s message from jail signals a continued commitment to political confrontation, with preparations underway for what could become a new phase of nationwide agitation.
