Islamabad, July 15,2026: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) on Wednesday announced that it will hold nationwide rallies on August 5 to demand the release of party founder and former prime minister Imran Khan.
The announcement was made by PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan following a meeting of the party’s parliamentary party in Islamabad.
“Our meeting had one agenda, but the entire national situation came under discussion,” Barrister Gohar told a press conference after the meeting.
He said the parliamentary party had unanimously decided to organize rallies across the country on August 5, marking the anniversary of Imran Khan’s arrest in 2023 following his conviction in the Toshakhana case.
Barrister Gohar said the parliamentary party strongly condemned the continued imprisonment of Imran Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi.
“Every PTI member of the assembly believes the founder’s imprisonment is unjust,” he said, adding that the party had sought legal relief through the courts, but decisions on its pending appeals were still awaited.
He said the PTI political committee, in coordination with the opposition alliance, would soon announce its broader strategy and future course of action.
Referring to the planned demonstrations, Barrister Gohar said the August 5 protests would be “different in nature” from previous rallies, without elaborating further.
Imran Khan has remained in prison since August 2023 after being convicted in multiple cases, which he and his party maintain are politically motivated. While some convictions have been suspended or overturned, several legal proceedings and appeals remain pending. Khan has consistently denied all allegations against him.
The announcement follows recent calls by Khan’s sister, Aleema Khan, for party workers to intensify efforts for his release.
Addressing PTI supporters in Lower Dir on July 12, Aleema urged workers to remain organized and follow the party leadership’s directives, while also calling on PTI lawmakers to actively participate in the party’s anti-government movement.
Meanwhile, PTI and Khan’s family have repeatedly expressed concern over the former prime minister’s health and prison conditions.
Last month, Khan was taken to the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) for a scheduled follow-up appointment, where doctors administered his fifth intravitreal injection as part of ongoing treatment for an eye condition.
According to medical reports submitted before the Supreme Court, Khan has been diagnosed with central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO), a condition caused by blockage of the main vein draining blood from the retina. The condition is commonly associated with underlying cardiovascular risk factors, including high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol and heart disease.
