RAWALPINDI: Aleema Khan stated that Imran Khan has called on the nation to step out of their homes for genuine independence, and she is hopeful that the public will gather on August 14 to stand in solidarity with PTI founder Imran Khan.
Speaking to the media in Rawalpindi alongside PTI Secretary General Salman Akram Raja, Aleema Khan expressed confidence that the harsh sentences against Imran Khan would soon be overturned, and that the judiciary would deliver justice to PTI leaders.
PTI Secretary General Salman Akram Raja clarified that the party has invited supporters to come out on August 14, emphasizing that it is not intended as a protest march but rather a celebration of independence and a show of support for Imran Khan. He explained that PTI workers will participate to mark freedom and stand with their leader.
Raja also criticized the current state of Pakistan, stating it does not resemble the vision of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, who envisioned a prosperous nation with equal rights for all communities, including minorities. He expressed concern over the lack of an independent judiciary and reaffirmed that PTI will observe August 14 as a day of true independence.
When asked about Shah Mehmood Qureshi’s actions, Raja indicated that Qureshi would proceed only under Imran Khan’s guidance. Meanwhile, senior PTI officials announced that the party plans to celebrate Independence Day as a true day of freedom, avoiding the label of a protest march on August 14. Despite Imran Khan’s call for support, the party opted against organizing protests, citing prior commitments such as a workers’ convention scheduled for the same day.
PTI’s Lahore leadership was also unable to arrange a new protest on August 14, following the unsuccessful attempt on August 5. Key figures like the provincial president and chief organizer were not publicly visible, and the party had yet to secure permission for the planned workers’ gathering.
