PTI stages protest demanding Khan’s release
Hundreds of supporters of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) gathered outside the Supreme Court of Pakistan in Islamabad on Tuesday, protesting against the continued detention of their founder and former prime minister Imran Khan. The demonstration was organized to highlight what the party described as the government’s failure to follow judicial orders regarding Khan’s release and to protest the alleged lack of clarity in the legal cases against him.
Witnesses reported a large turnout, with PTI flags, placards, and slogans calling for justice and rule of law. The protest remained peaceful, though security around the Supreme Court was significantly tightened, with police barricades and riot control units stationed nearby.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister joins protest
Among those attending was Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohaib Afridi, who expressed strong criticism of what he termed as interference in the judicial process. Speaking to the media at the scene, Afridi said, Since April 9, 2022, the judiciary has been held hostage. Even a jail superintendent or a low-ranking officer now refuses to obey the court’s orders.
Afridi emphasized that his stance was transparent and consistent, asserting that PTI’s position on judicial independence remains the same both inside and outside institutions.
The chief minister also addressed reports of his meeting with the Peshawar Corps Commander, clarifying that it was a personal, informal visit to congratulate him on assuming office. He rejected claims that the meeting was political in nature or related to the protest movement.
PTI accuses authorities of ignoring court directives
Senior PTI leaders accused the government and law enforcement agencies of deliberately defying court orders related to Imran Khan’s legal cases. They argued that the Constitution guarantees equal treatment before the law, but Khan’s continued imprisonment demonstrates selective justice.
A party spokesperson told local journalists that PTI would continue its peaceful protest campaign until the courts’ decisions are implemented and their leader is released. Our struggle is not against institutions, the spokesperson added. It is for the supremacy of the Constitution and respect for judicial orders.
Background: legal challenges and political tensions
Imran Khan, who served as Pakistan’s prime minister from 2018 until his removal through a parliamentary no-confidence vote in April 2022, has been facing a series of corruption and state secrets cases. The former premier has denied all charges, claiming that they are politically motivated and designed to sideline him and his party ahead of future elections.
Khan has been in custody since August 2023, and despite several court rulings granting him bail in some cases, he remains behind bars under other pending charges. Legal experts have noted that the overlapping nature of these cases and repeated detentions have raised questions about the fairness and transparency of Pakistan’s justice system.
The PTI has held several demonstrations across the country since Khan’s imprisonment, calling for judicial independence and the restoration of what they describe as democratic space. Authorities have, however, maintained that all actions against Khan are being taken strictly in accordance with the law.
Growing concerns over judicial independence
Observers note that the confrontation between PTI and state institutions reflects deepening political polarization in Pakistan. The judiciary’s role has increasingly come under scrutiny, especially as several senior judges have voiced concerns about executive pressure and selective accountability.
Human rights organizations, including Amnesty International and the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP), have repeatedly urged authorities to ensure that all legal proceedings against Khan and other political figures are transparent and free from bias.
As protests continue outside the Supreme Court, PTI maintains that its movement will remain non-violent but persistent until Imran Khan’s “constitutional rights” are restored.
The road ahead
With Pakistan’s political climate already tense, the standoff between PTI supporters and state institutions shows no sign of easing. Analysts warn that continued deadlock over Khan’s detention could further strain relations between the judiciary, the military, and political parties, complicating efforts to restore stability and public trust in governance.
For now, PTI’s message remains clear — it seeks justice not just for its leader but, as party officials assert, for the principle of rule of law in Pakistan.
